Jimi Benson re-election gains support as INDIGENE endorses the Ikorodu lawmaker over development and legislative records

A coalition of professionals, academics and community leaders under the platform of INDIGENE has declared support for the re-election bid of Jimi Benson to the House of Representatives.

Also read: Rep. Babajimi Benson named Ikorodu man of the year 2024

The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Sunday following what the group described as extensive deliberations on the developmental needs of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

According to the group, the decision to support the Jimi Benson Re-Election project was driven by concerns over rapid population growth and increasing pressure on infrastructure, healthcare, education and other social services across the six Ikorodu Local Council Development Areas.

INDIGENE stated that Ikorodu’s estimated population had risen to about 1.248 million in 2026, with annual growth exceeding four per cent, intensifying the need for sustained government intervention and strategic representation.

“The current political temperature of Lagos dictates that this is not the time for Ikorodu to experiment with its hope for rapid development,” the group stated.

The body added that the “Ikorodu First” agenda should take priority over personal ambitions and partisan interests.

While acknowledging the democratic rights of other aspirants seeking elective office, INDIGENE appealed to them to unite behind Jimi Benson in the interest of continuity and development.

The group argued that Benson’s status as a ranking legislator and committee leader in the National Assembly positioned him advantageously to attract more federal projects and resources to the constituency.

INDIGENE highlighted the lawmaker’s legislative record, noting that he had sponsored 58 bills, with five already signed into law.

Among the laws referenced was the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Amendment Act, which seeks to reposition the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria into a self-sustaining military industrial complex.

The group also referenced the Electricity Amendment Act 2023, which requires power generation companies to allocate five per cent of their operational expenditure to host community development.

Another legislative achievement cited was the constitutional amendment moving railways from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby allowing state governments to invest in railway infrastructure.

According to INDIGENE, these legislative efforts directly address critical infrastructural and developmental challenges facing Ikorodu.

The group further commended Jimi Benson for facilitating educational projects, including the construction of 29 classroom blocks across schools in the constituency.

It also praised the lawmaker’s involvement in road infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation within the area.

INDIGENE urged political leaders, traditional rulers and influential stakeholders in Ikorodu to support the “Ikorodu First” initiative to ensure balanced political representation and sustained development.

The group also encouraged Jimi Benson to continue collaborating closely with the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District to maximise democratic dividends for residents.