Frontline politician, renowned construction magnate, and philanthropist, Dr. Kehinde Alex Bankole, has officially declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Ekiti/Isin/Oke Ero/Irepodun Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists in Abuja, Dr. Bankole who was pioneer member kwara House of Assembly Commission shared insights into his new massive housing project while also outlining his motivation to return to active politics and the interventions he hopes to bring to his federal constituency and Nigeria at large.
Bankole revealed that his company recently commenced a new housing development along the Coastal Road being constructed by the Federal Government. The project consists of 2,050 units, including terraces, blocks of flats, and fully detached structures.
“What makes the project unique is the fact that we are not selling to off-plan takers,” he said. “We are financing this ourselves, not through banks or individuals. By the special grace of God, this is what we have been able to put together.”
Located just five minutes from Victoria Island, the project benefits from its strategic positioning on the federal coastal highway a signature infrastructure project of the Tinubu-led administration.
Highlighting the challenges facing the Nigerian real estate and construction sectors, Dr. Bankole called on the government to address the volatility in building material prices.
“One of the biggest issues we face is the constant fluctuation in prices. You buy cement today at ₦10,000, tomorrow it’s ₦15,000,” he lamented. “We need the government to regulate the prices of building materials and support indigenous contractors rather than enriching foreign firms.”
He urged the federal government to prioritize Nigerian engineers and builders in infrastructure projects. “Let Nigerians fix Nigeria’s problems,” he stated.
On why he is returning to politics, Dr. Bankole said, “We are all political animals. If you truly want development in your society, you must get involved. You can’t just sit at home and complain.”
A former member of the state House of Assembly and Commissioner, Bankole noted that since the return of democracy in 1999, his local government has never produced a representative in the National Assembly. “I believe it’s time. I have the experience, the network, and the capacity to deliver real change.”
When asked to assess President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration two years in, Dr. Bankole praised the President’s “bold and unprecedented” reforms.
“Removing fuel subsidy is a courageous decision, and no past leader had the political will to do it. Also, efforts to return power to local governments show true commitment to federalism.”
He lauded the government’s infrastructure push, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as a “legacy project that will transform Nigeria’s economy.”
If elected, Dr. Bankole promises to bring his expertise in construction and security to bear in addressing the challenges facing his constituency.
“Our roads are in terrible condition, infrastructure is almost non-existent, and there’s no functioning mortuary in my local government,” he said. “We will fix roads, sponsor students, we already have 167 we’ve helped gain admission and revamp agriculture by ensuring security and mechanised farming.”
He also emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own story, Dr. Bankole revealed he once sold clothes, suits, and even worked as a bricklayer before becoming a business mogul.
“Youths must return to basics. Today, many have turned to cybercrime and begging. But there’s dignity in labour. I did it all tailoring, masonry, selling. And it paid off.”
In a heartfelt message to Nigerian youth, Dr. Bankole urged them to embrace honest work, integrity, and resilience.
“There’s no shortcut to success. Don’t despise humble beginnings. What matters is consistency and integrity. Build something real, and the rewards will come.”
As Nigeria heads toward another election season, Dr. Kehinde Alex Bankole’s declaration adds significant weight to the political landscape in Kwara State and reflects a growing call among citizens for credible, grassroots-connected leaders.