Olamide Balikis Junaid declares ambition for Ibadan North House of Reps seat, promising inclusive representation and grassroots development
By Freelanews
No doubt many have lost hope in the nation’s democratic process, but the beauty of our democratic processes can always be restored when the people enjoy the much needed dividends of a good and pure democratic process which brings them to the need to elect for ourselves candidates who know their onions.
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Of course we have a new generation of individuals who are ready and committed to facilitating positive changes, those that have the courage to pull the bull by the horn to do the needful to bring our communities to a place where hopes are not only rekindled but where dreams are turned into reality.
This is exactly the reason Hon (Mrs.) Olamide Balikis Junaid, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress has comes with a mission of change for Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, fueled by her passion to using polity as a viable tool for societal re-engineering.
The businesswoman and a seasoned politician last Monday formally made her intention known to represent her constituency come 2027.
What many expected to be an ordinary political gathering quickly transformed into a historic show of strength, popularity and mass acceptance as thousands of supporters thronged the venue in the state capital to witness the moment many believe signals a new chapter for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The declaration at the Police Divisional Training Ground, Yemetu, in Ibadan, where party members, supporters, and community leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of her ambition.
It was more than another declaration but a statement, It was a loud signal that Junaid remains one of the most formidable political figures in the state today.
From the early hours of the day, roads leading to the venue of the declaration was filled with enthusiastic supporters, youth groups, women associations, traditional loyalists and political stakeholders who came from different parts of the state to identify with the woman many describe as the bridge between experience, competence and modern leadership.
Junaid told the crowd that her decision was driven by a strong commitment to serve the people and deepen her longstanding grassroots engagement within the constituency.
“I am ready to represent my people. This is not just a political ambition; it is a call to serve and to do more for the people of Ibadan North,” she said.
The aspirant highlighted her years of involvement in community development and humanitarian activities, noting that her declaration was a continuation of her service to the people.
“Even before this declaration, I have been supporting our people in my own way. I understand their needs, their struggles, and their expectations.What I seek now is a bigger platform to do more,” she added.
On gender inclusion, Junaid dismissed concerns about her candidacy being influenced by bias, stressing that leadership should be based on competence rather than gender.
“Some people say I am a woman, but leadership is about capacity and compassion. I believe in what I can offer, and I am confident that my people will judge me by my ability to deliver,” she stated.
She also expressed unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to mobilise grassroots backing for his re-election bid in 2027.
“I am fully in support of President Tinubu’s second term. His Renewed Hope agenda is already laying the foundation for a better Nigeria, and we must consolidate on that progress,” she said.
Junaid further assured constituents of inclusive and responsive representation, promising to prioritise youth empowerment, women development, and improved access to socio-economic opportunities.
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Party leaders at the event commended her courage and political aspiration, describing her as a committed member with the capacity to make meaningful contributions to legislative activities if elected.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
