In a striking show of gratitude, youths from the Akure North and Akure South Federal Constituency have purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for their representative, Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida.
The forms were presented to the lawmaker in Akure, Ondo State capital on Thursday by a youth delegation led by Ogundipe Seyi.
The group, comprised largely of professionals working with the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other federal institutions, credited Adesida with facilitating their employment.
Speaking during the presentation, Ogundipe emphasized that the gesture was a collective effort by beneficiaries of the lawmaker’s employment drives.
He said: “We believe in the principle of good governance. Hon. Adesida believes in teaching the youth how to fish rather than just giving them fish occasionally.
“He has facilitated job opportunities for over 500 indigenes of Akure North and South. It is these beneficiaries who contributed their personal funds to purchase these forms as a way of saying thank you.”
Ogundipe added that by securing jobs for university graduates, Adesida has effectively empowered hundreds of households across the constituency.
While responding, Adesida said he was caught off guard by the gesture, revealing that he had been hesitant about seeking re-election.
“I am truly surprised. A few days ago, I was preparing to pay for the forms myself when one of them, now an Assistant Controller in Customs, called to tell me they were already handling it. I told them not to bother, but they insisted,” Adesida said.
The lawmaker said the rigors of office had dampened his initial enthusiasm for another term.
He added: “This has lifted my spirit. If the people want me to continue serving and fighting for them, I am ready.”
Addressing the upcoming electoral process, Adesida expressed his support for transparent internal democracy, favoring direct primaries over a indirect model.
He said: “I was part of the system that passed the bill signed into law by the President. In advanced democracies like the U.S., they use direct primaries. It functions like a general election where every card-carrying member is a delegate.
“Unlike indirect primaries, there is no room for bribery because you cannot influence the entire membership. If you are the people’s choice, they will pick you.”
“Imposition will be difficult under this system. The national body is sending umpires from Abuja to conduct the election, ensuring that the process is not hijacked locally.”
Adesida said he was ready for the field, noting that while consensus requires total agreement, he is more than willing to test his popularity with the party’s rank and file.
