OLOLADE STORMS AYETE WARDS, DECLARES REPS AMBITION, DISMISSES CANDIDATES IMPOSITION CLAIMS

Honourable Shittu Liasu Ololade received a rousing welcome on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as he commenced a strategic visitation to ward meetings in Ayete, signaling his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency.

The political tour began at Ward 1, held at Goodnews College, Iki Ayete, where a large gathering of party faithful and residents turned out to receive him warmly. Addressing the crowd, Hon. Ololade assured the people of his continued commitment to inclusive governance, promising that his leadership would benefit all, just as he has demonstrated in his previous public service roles.

Reflecting on his political journey, he reminded constituents of his track record as a Councillor representing Ibarapa in 1996, Chairman of the Council in 2017 and 2020, Special Assistant on Political Matters to the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, and a member of SUBEB under Governor Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. He emphasized that he remains consistent in his dedication to service and grassroots development.

Hon. Ololade used the opportunity to debunk speculations about any candidate being pre-selected by community leaders, stressing that no town or group has the authority to impose a candidate. He urged the public to disregard such claims, noting that his ongoing consultations are aimed at earning the genuine support and endorsement of the people.

“If any aspirant believes they have been selected by any leader, such a person can remain at home. I am here to humbly seek your votes at the primary election,” he stated, adding that party registration cards would be crucial in determining participation during the primaries. He assured supporters that their mandate would not be taken for granted.

The visitation train later moved to Ward 2 at C&S Primary School, where Hon. Ololade was again welcomed by a large and enthusiastic crowd, with songs and celebrations reflecting strong grassroots support.

Speaking at the gathering, he formally declared his ambition to represent the constituency at the federal level. He reassured party members that the era of imposition and “ticket hijacking” is over, emphasizing that the emergence of candidates would be based on consensus and a credible primary election process.

He further commended party leaders for zoning the House of Representatives ticket to Ibarapa North, describing it as a step towards fairness and political balance within the constituency. However, he acknowledged that petitions against the zoning exist, noting that such disagreements are a normal part of democratic politics.

According to him, zoning the ticket to the North would promote inclusiveness and strengthen unity across the constituency. “A single tree cannot make a forest,” he said, urging stakeholders to support the process while expressing hope that the ticket would ultimately come to Ibarapa North.

The visitation was attended by several prominent party leaders and stakeholders, including Tijani Morufudeen, former Local Government Secretary; Hon. Ruben Gbolahan, former Councillor from Ward 07 and currently the Ward Ambassador; Nurudeen Lawal, former Chairman of Ward 02; Mr. Modepo Saubana, former Chairman of Ward 07; Olaoye Foluke, Woman Leader of Ward 02; the Ward 07 Woman Leader, who also serves as the current Party Chairman of Ward 07; former Ward 02 Chairman, Mr. Lawal Nurudeen; Ofiki Ward Women Leader, Faitai Basirat; local excos Mr. Ruben and Saubana Onile, alongside other dignitaries.