April 23, 2026
A newly formed youth movement in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State has issued a public call to action, demanding that credible young indigenes from the area be given the opportunity to contest for the State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.
The group, known as the Ondo East Youth Movement for Assembly, stated that its formation is driven by the need to promote total representation that will foster inclusive governance, unity, growth, tranquility, and empowerment across all communities in Ondo East Local Government.
Speaking through its leadership, the movement disclosed that Ondo East has suffered over 24 years of marginalisation from the seat of the Federal House of Representatives, a development it said has severely stunted the area’s infrastructural and human capacity development.
The group argued that as Nigeria prepares for its next general election cycle, the urgency for youth inclusion in legislative candidacy has never been more critical. It maintained that the youth of Ondo East are educationally sound, politically conscious, and sufficiently experienced to take on legislative responsibilities.
“Our grassroot connection as young and experienced people of Ondo East means we understand first-hand the peculiar challenges facing our communities, from unemployment and rural infrastructure deficits to education gaps, health challenges, and the agricultural needs of our agrarian society,” the group stated.
The movement further cited the Not Too Young To Run Act as legal backing for its demands, noting that age is not a barrier to capacity. It also pointed to the precedent set by sister local governments in Ondo State, where over 20 of the 26 members of the tenth State Assembly are youths in their early thirties and forties.
In its list of demands, the movement called on political party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and youth organisations across Ondo State to concede State Assembly tickets to credible indigenous youth aspirants from Ondo East who have demonstrated community service and competence. It also demanded that the House of Representatives ticket be rotated to Ondo East within the Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, in the spirit of even representation.
The group further urged the removal of prohibitive nomination fees and the elimination of godfatherism that sidelines young candidates, and called for fair, transparent, and violence-free party primaries where Ondo East aspirants can compete purely on merit.
The movement expressed confidence that securing legislative representation would translate into improved budgeting, responsive lawmaking, and prioritised constituency projects for farmers, students, artisans, and young families in the area.
“Ondo East is ready to lead, not just follow. The next general election is another opportunity to prove our democratic influence,” the group declared.
The statement was signed by Orisamuyiwa Dickson, General Secretary, and F.R Olasanoye, Chairman of the Ondo East Youth Movement for Assembly.
