The Akoko Youths Forum (AYF) has called on political parties not to impose candidates on the people as the bye-election to fill the vacant seat of the Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives approaches.
The President of the group, Engineer Ibukunoluwa Akeju, delivered the message at the inauguration of the new executive of the association held in Akungba Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state. The vacant seat resulted from the resignation of Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was elected to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives but later appointed as the Minister for Interior by President Bola Tinubu.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission has not set a date for the bye-election, political activities have been ongoing as various candidates campaign underground.
Akeju emphasized that the AYF is a pressure group, not a partisan one, and advised that candidates should have an undiluted antecedent and the interest of the masses. He urged political parties not to negatively influence the election and advocated for equal opportunities for everyone to cast their votes and contest for the position.
Akeju highlighted the AYF’s major focus on contributing to the development of Akokoland, particularly in the areas of youth employment and empowerment. The association has plans for youth empowerment programs and initiatives to make graduates more employable. AYF aims to work collaboratively with philanthropists, traditional rulers, and political leaders to implement these programs for the benefit of Akoko youths.
He also mentioned AYF’s past contributions to addressing challenges in Akoko, such as advocating for electricity during a period of blackout and working on security programs in collaboration with local security personnel.