Africa
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations CSOs in Kosofe LGA of Lagos State has urged the All Progressives Congress APC to present credible candidates for forthcoming general elections.
The coalition made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Ketu through its conveners, Mr Alex Omotehinse and Mr Waheed Odunuga.
Omotehinse said the engagement aligned with the coalition’s mandate to promote accountability, participatory democracy, and evidence-based civic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
He noted that CSOs must actively shape governance conversations to ensure leadership choices reflect competence, integrity, and measurable performance.
“This engagement represents a deliberate intervention by organised civil society to elevate public discourse beyond rhetoric.
“We are committed to ensuring leadership selection is guided by verifiable performance, demonstrable competence, and sustained commitment to the public good,” he said.
He said the coalition conducted a detailed review of governance outcomes across the constituency to guide its position on credible leadership.
The review focused on Agboyi-Ketu LCDA between 2017 and 2025 under former chairman, Mr Dele Oshinowo.
Omotehinse explained that the assessment considered infrastructure, social services, economic initiatives, and institutional reforms implemented during the period.
The assessment, he added, was strengthened by a stakeholders’ meeting on April 15, where aspirants for Kosofe Federal Constituency were critically examined.
Participants at the meeting included community leaders, professionals, youth representatives, and civic actors with deep knowledge of local governance realities.
“The coalition reached a unanimous position based on empirical evaluation, stakeholder inputs, and verifiable governance records,” he said.
Omotehinse listed achievements including infrastructural expansion through administrative complexes, legislative facilities, and modern markets across the LCDA.
He said these efforts enhanced institutional efficiency, improved service delivery, created jobs, and boosted internally generated revenue within the council area.
He added that sustainable water and sanitation projects, including multi-community industrial boreholes, improved access to clean water in several communities.
“Road improvements enhanced mobility and commerce, easing transportation challenges and supporting local economic activities across the constituency,” he said.
He said investments in education included school construction, rehabilitation, provision of learning materials, and student support initiatives.
Other areas included strengthened primary healthcare through facility upgrades, medical outreach programmes, and expanded access to basic health services.
He also highlighted youth empowerment programmes focused on skills development, entrepreneurship training, and financial support for small businesses.
Omotehinse said Oshinowo demonstrated consistent public service anchored on delivery, innovation, transparency, and accountability throughout his tenure.
“An objective comparative analysis places him in a leading position among aspirants across political divides.
“His tenure provides a credible governance framework translatable into legislative representation at the federal level,” he said.
He urged constituents to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven performance when making electoral decisions in the coming elections.
He stressed that informed civic participation remains essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring accountable leadership.
“We encourage citizens and stakeholders to support leadership reflecting tested capacity and commitment to inclusive development,” he added.
Omotehinse said the coalition’s position was based on empirical evaluation and guided by principles of transparency, justice, and accountable governance.
He said the coalition unanimously agreed that Oshinowo was best positioned among aspirants to represent Kosofe Federal Constituency.
“Though we are not members of any political party, we believe the APC should present a credible candidate.
“If the party fails, he may consider contesting on another platform,” he said.
He reiterated the coalition’s call on the APC to ensure a credible candidate emerges ahead of the 2027 general elections. NAN
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APR. 22, 2026
Tags: APC KOSOFE LGA OMOTEHINSE Oshinowo