‎Opposition Candidate Backs Tinubu’s Reforms, Seeks Federal Intervention

‎The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) candidate for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Taiwo Ilawole, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying their benefits should reach residents of coastal communities in Ondo State.

‎Ilawole said this while outlining his priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections, identifying the Aiyetoro sea-incursion crisis, unemployment and poor infrastructure as major concerns requiring government attention.

‎He acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but argued that the reforms should translate into jobs, improved livelihoods and better public services.

‎“We will work with President Tinubu to ensure that the gains of the reforms reach our people. We must also make sure federal programmes and opportunities are accessible to students, young people and coastal communities,” he said.

‎The opposition candidate identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Petroleum Technology Development Fund scholarships and Niger Delta Development Commission postgraduate scholarships as federal opportunities residents should be encouraged to access.

‎On the persistent sea incursion threatening Aiyetoro in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ilawole said he would press the Federal Government and relevant agencies to implement a lasting solution.

‎He said the intervention should protect homes and livelihoods while supporting the restoration of the community’s fishing and commercial activities.

‎Ilawole also called for increased investment in Ese-Odo, arguing that the area’s economic potential could be used to create jobs and expand business opportunities. He said he would seek to connect investors with viable projects and advocate the infrastructure needed to support them.

‎The DLA candidate criticised the constituency empowerment approach of the incumbent lawmaker, Donald Ojogo, arguing that distributing ₦50,000 and bags of rice offered only temporary relief.

‎“Cash and food assistance may offer temporary relief, but they are not a substitute for meaningful empowerment. Our people need support that builds skills, creates livelihoods, strengthens small businesses and helps families become self-reliant,” he said.

‎He proposed vocational training, support for small businesses and access to productive equipment as alternatives to one-off distributions.

‎Ilawole also questioned the impact of constituency projects on public services, alleging that schools and healthcare facilities across Ilaje and Ese-Odo remained in need of improvement despite billions of naira in Zonal Intervention Project allocations.

‎He further accused Ojogo of failing to facilitate tangible road construction in the constituency, saying residents needed projects that addressed their daily challenges.

‎The contest for the constituency seat is unfolding amid reported divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following its primary election.

‎Ilawole is reportedly seeking support from some Ugbo leaders and stakeholders said to be dissatisfied with the APC’s nomination process. The extent of that support, however, remains unclear.

‎Ojogo, who is seeking a second term in the House of Representatives, remains the APC candidate for the constituency.