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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Olamide Balikis Junaid, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made during a well-attended political event in Ibadan, where party leaders, supporters, youth groups, and community stakeholders gathered to witness her official entry into the race.
A call to service
Speaking at the event, Junaid said her decision to join the race was driven by a strong commitment to serve her people and deepen her longstanding involvement in grassroots development across Ibadan North.
According to her, the aspiration is not just political ambition but a “call to service” aimed at improving the welfare of constituents and expanding access to social and economic opportunities.
She stated that over the years she has been actively involved in community empowerment initiatives, including education support programmes, healthcare outreach, and youth and women empowerment projects.
Focus on grassroots development
Junaid emphasized that her vision for Ibadan North centres on inclusive representation, promising to prioritise:
Youth empowerment and job creation Women development and financial support initiatives
Improved access to education and healthcare
Strengthening community-based development projects
She added that her past interventions in palliatives distribution, scholarship support, and small business grants have given her deeper understanding of the needs of the constituency.
Gender and leadership message
Addressing concerns about gender in politics, Junaid dismissed any bias against her candidacy, stressing that leadership should be determined by competence, capacity, and compassion rather than gender.
“Leadership is about what you can offer. I believe in service, and I am confident my people will judge me based on performance and impact,” she said.
Political alignment
The APC stalwart also expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, pledging to mobilise grassroots backing for his re-election bid in 2027, while endorsing the party’s broader “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Party reaction
Party leaders and stakeholders present at the event described her declaration as a boost for APC’s grassroots structure in Ibadan North, noting that her popularity and community engagement could strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
They also praised her track record in humanitarian and developmental activities, describing her as a “committed grassroots mobiliser” with the capacity to represent the constituency effectively if elected.
Political outlook
Analysts say her entry into the race adds new momentum to the political landscape in Ibadan North, a constituency known for competitive elections and strong voter engagement. The coming months are expected to see intensified campaigns as aspirants begin consolidating support ahead of party primaries and the 2027 general elections.
