By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 10 wards in Odeda State Constituency, Ogun State, have declared overwhelming support for the return of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The youths, who converged on Wednesday in Odeda, the headquarters of Odeda Local Government Area, insisted that Elemide remains the best candidate to sustain the constituency’s hold on the Speakership position.

Their position follows alleged moves by some party leaders to deny the Speaker the APC ticket, with rumours of a planned imposition of another candidate said to be connected to the state party leadership.

Leading the mobilisation, the Secretary to Odeda Local Government, Hon. Adebayo Oyekunle, coordinated youth leaders from all the wards—Odeda, Obada, Olodo, Alagbagba, Ilugun, Osiele, Obantoko, Alabata, Obete and Opeji—who took turns to commend Elemide’s leadership and performance.

They described the Speaker as a grassroots politician who has delivered tangible dividends of democracy across the constituency.

According to the youth leaders, “Rt. Hon. Elemide has demonstrated uncommon leadership and commitment to the development of Odeda. His projects cut across all wards, and the youths have benefitted immensely from his empowerment programmes.”

They listed projects facilitated by the Speaker to include rural electrification in over 15 communities in Obantoko ward, rehabilitation of primary schools and health centres in Alabata ward, road rehabilitation, provision of potable water, and installation of solar-powered facilities across several communities.

Oyekunle, in his remarks, urged all stakeholders in the constituency to unite behind Elemide’s aspiration.

“Odeda cannot afford to lose the Speakership position. Experience matters in governance, and Rt. Hon. Elemide has acquired the legislative competence needed to continue delivering quality representation,” he said.

He also cautioned against moves to impose any candidate, warning that such actions could undermine the unity and progress of the party in the constituency.

Similarly, some youth leaders, including Sunday Osinbanjo (Obantoko ward), Oluwaseyi (Odeda ward), Saheed Olorunmajesise (Alabata ward), Ibrahim Olayinka (Olodo ward) and Magbadelo Sunday (Ilugun ward), pledged unwavering support for the Speaker’s return.

“We are fully behind Elemide. His leadership has brought visible development to our communities, and we will mobilise massively to ensure his victory,” they declared.

In the same vein, the Deputy Youth Leader of Odeda Local Government, Comrade Oladipo Sobogun, emphasised the importance of retaining the Speakership position within the constituency.

“The youth of Odeda have benefitted greatly from the current leadership. We must not allow the number three position in the state to slip away from us,” Sobogun stated.

The resolution of the youths from all 10 wards was unanimously adopted through a voice vote coordinated by Oyekunle.

Some APC leaders in the constituency also joined the youths in endorsing Elemide, describing him as an exceptional politician whose contributions have significantly boosted socio-economic development in Odeda Local Government Area.