By Tunde Olamilekan
The push for youth to represent the All Progressives Congress in Osun State at the National Assembly and State Assembly has intensified as the party prepares to hold its primaries for the House of Representatives on Friday.
Several groups and individuals have called on the party leadership to give the youth a chance and move on from sending older politicians to the national assembly.
The advocates believed that a new generation of politically conscious, energetic, and strategically minded young people had stepped into the progressive fold and helped reshape the strength, visibility, and competitiveness of the APC across several constituencies in the state.
Those clamouring for the youth to take centre stage in the APC urged the leadership of the party not to focus on only experience, but also on those who have demonstrated capacity, loyalty, consistency, and the ability to connect with the emerging voting population.
They noted that the youths aspiring in the APC have defended the party online, mobilised voters at the grassroots, expanded conversations beyond traditional political spaces, and stood firm even in difficult periods.
They reference the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 House of Assembly election in Osun State, noting that the majority of the candidates presented by the party then were youths.
“The reality is that politics is changing rapidly. The opposition has increasingly created spaces for younger faces to participate actively in their political structure, and whether one agrees with their politics or not, it has helped them maintain emotional connection with younger voters. APC must not allow itself to appear inaccessible to the same demographic that constitutes a major percentage of the active voting population in Osun State,” one of the advocates said.
osun.life reports that a notable number of candidates under 45 years are seeking to contest the House of Representatives ticket across federal constituencies in the state.
Leading the pack is Tele Oyegoke who is contesting for the Reps ticket in Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, under the APC.
Oyegoke is the Chief Executive Officer of Subway Integrated Resources Ltd and Belmonte VG Hospitality.
The Inisa-born politician is a vibrant seasoned entrepreneur with proven leadership acumen and an advocate of good governance and grassroots development.
Speaking with osun.life, Oyegoke said his track record of building and managing resources with a focus on discipline and long-term results has prepared him well for the seat.
He described himself as a unifier who puts the party above personal ambition, adding that he has spent his time in the party bridging gaps and not widening them.
“What distinguishes me from the other aspirants comes down to three things. First is a track record of building, not just talking. Outside of politics, I’ve spent years managing resources with a focus on discipline, long-term results, and protecting people’s interests. That same discipline is what I’ll bring to constituency development, clear priorities, measurable targets, and accountability for every allocation to our federal constituency. No empty promises, just projects you can see and verify.
“Second is policy depth on the issues that affect our people daily. My engagement with the party has always centred on practical solutions for jobs, policy formation, food security, and infrastructure. I don’t recycle slogans. I study the numbers, talk to traders in Ikirun and Iragbiji, farmers in the outskirts of Okuku and Inisa, and then shape proposals that can actually pass and be implemented at the National Assembly.
“Third, and most importantly, is my record as a unifier who puts the party above personal ambition. The reason I’m confident I represent the best choice for APC is that I’ve spent my time in the party bridging gaps, not widening them. Whether it’s resolving disagreements between party members, supporting aspirants after primaries, or mobilising for party programs without looking for credit, my goal has been one strong APC across Inisa, Okuku, Ikirun, Iragbiji, and the other towns in our constituency.
“A divided house can’t deliver for the people. I’ve shown that I can work with every tendency in the party, bring people to the table, and keep our focus on defeating the opposition and delivering governance. That’s the kind of representation our constituency needs right now.
“APC wins when we are united and when our candidate can appeal beyond party lines. My background in business gives me credibility with professionals and the private sector. My work on the ground gives me trust with party faithful and grassroots members across the Federal Constituency. My record as a unifier means I won’t spend my term fighting internal battles.”
Oyegoke added that if given the ticket, he “will run a campaign and a mandate that brings APC members, supporters of other aspirants, and undecided voters together behind one goal, a stronger federal constituency with better roads, better support for small businesses, and real oversight of federal projects. I’m not the loudest voice in the room, but I’m the one who stays after the meeting to make sure everyone is carried along. That’s the leadership style I’ll take to Abuja.”
Another youth candidate hoping to secure the APC ticket is Ibrahim Taofeek Kayode, popularly known as ITK, who is contesting for the Osogbo Federal Constituency seat.
The Osogbo-born businessman hopes to secure the ticket this time around having lost out during the 2022 primaries.
Speaking after his screening before the APC screening committee recently, Kayode said he remained prepared for any mode of primary election adopted by the party leadership.
“I am preparing for any form of primary decided by our leaders, and I am optimistic about securing the party ticket.”
In a chat with osun.life, Kayode said his result-driven leadership, unwavering integrity an foward looking vision tailored to address the current challenges facing people of his constituency distinguished him among other aspirants.
“What distinguishes me among other aspirants is a unique blend of proven, result-driven leadership, unwavering integrity and a forward-looking vision tailored to our current challenges.
“I offer a track record of achievements rather than just promises. This makes me the best choice to secure victory for our party and deliver on our promises,” Kayode noted.
In Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, Abimbola Amusan is also making a strong push for the ticket.
Amusan, a lawyer and Chief Executive Officer of King FM, has at different fora, promised to run an inclusive government that will benefit every nook and cranny of our federal constituency.
Speaking with osun.life, Amusan said his grassroots engagement has made him understand the needs of his people, promising effective representation at the House of Representatives.
He also said his background as a lawyer, technology entrepreneur, and media entrepreneur has equipped him with practical experience in leadership, economic development, and institution building.
Amusan said, “What distinguishes me in this race is my deep grassroots engagement and the diverse experience I bring to public service. Over the past months, I have consulted widely across Irewole, Ayedaade, and Isokan Local Governments, engaging party leaders, youths, women groups, and stakeholders because I believe effective representation begins with listening to the people.
“Beyond politics, my background as a lawyer, technology entrepreneur, and media entrepreneur has equipped me with practical experience in leadership, economic development, and institution building, which I believe are essential for effective representation at the House of Representatives.
“I also believe I represent the best choice for the APC because our movement has remained peaceful, inclusive, and focused on unity and development rather than division. We are offering a people-centred vision built on accessibility, empowerment, and results. The people of the constituency deserve a representative who understands their challenges, connects with them directly, and has the capacity and commitment to attract opportunities and deliver meaningful representation in Abuja.”
Other youths who have shown interest in contesting under the APC in Osun include: Mr Peter Ogundeji popularly known as Apata who is contesting the Senate ticket for Osun West; Mr Femi Oyetola (Osun Central Senatorial District); Mr Abdulrasheed Muideen Romeo (Osogbo Federal Constituency); Mr Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin (Ila Federal Constituency).
Others are, Mr Francis Damilare Eniade (Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin federal constituency); Mr Ayodeji Abdullahi Olaiya (Osogbo State Constituency); Mr Oladejo Ayotola Afis (Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency) and Mr Saheed Aderemi (Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency).
As the primaries approach, political observers say the results could reshape the APC’s future in Osun and signal the party’s direction ahead of 2027. The push for youth to represent the All Progressives Congress in Osun State at the National Assembly and State Assembly has intensified as the party prepares to hold its primaries for the House of Representatives on Friday.
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