Two aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sola Ajimati and Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, have called for stronger participation of women and young people in Nigeria’s political leadership, stressing that both groups are key to the country’s democratic progress.
Speaking during his declaration in Abuja, Ajimati, who is vying for the Kwara South senatorial seat, said Nigeria needs leadership that goes beyond managing problems to delivering practical and lasting solutions. According to him, Kwara South has no shortage of talent, but has struggled with representation that can translate potential into real development.
He described his “It’s Youth O’Clock Movement” as more than a slogan, calling it a platform focused on responsible leadership, job creation, improved security, and restoring hope among the people. Ajimati emphasized that young Nigerians must take an active role in governance rather than waiting for change.
“We are not here to make noise, we are here to build systems that work,” he said, adding that his priorities include strengthening security, creating economic opportunities for youths, improving education, attracting federal projects, and ensuring transparent leadership.
Similarly, Fajemirokun-Ajayi, a House of Representatives aspirant for Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, highlighted the untapped economic potential in her constituency. She pointed to key assets such as the Ore industrial corridor, large bitumen deposits in Odigbo, and the cocoa-producing belt of Ile-Oluji.
Despite these resources, she said the area has not received adequate representation to drive meaningful development. She pledged to leverage her experience in policy, investment, and governance to deliver tangible results for her constituents.
Fajemirokun-Ajayi, a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, noted that her track record includes facilitating over $150 million in investment opportunities and coordinating high-level international engagements. She also referenced her grassroots work through the Read2Succeed Africa initiative.
She said her ambition is driven by a desire to amplify the voices of women and youths, while ensuring her constituency fully benefits from democracy.
“Elections give people a choice, whether to continue with the status quo or embrace change,” she said. “Women and young people are capable of leading and delivering results when given the opportunity.”
Fajemirokun-Ajayi also expressed concern about the low number of women in elective positions in Nigeria, especially in the National Assembly, describing it as a gap that must be urgently addressed.
The APC began selling expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the process closing on May 6.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027. Party primaries are expected to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, with campaign activities set to begin in August and September 2026.
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