A coalition of civil society organisations in Kosofe has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other contending parties to present credible candidates for the forthcoming general elections.
The group made the call at a press conference held on Tuesday in Ketu, through its co-conveners, Comrade Alex Omotehinse of Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) Comrade Waheed Odunuga of Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG).
Omotehinse said that the engagement was organised in line with the coalition’s mandate to promote accountability, participatory democracy, and evidence-based civic engagement within Kosofe Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This engagement represents a deliberate intervention by organised civil society to elevate public discourse beyond rhetoric, ensuring that leadership selection is guided by verifiable performance, demonstrable competence, and a sustained commitment to the public good,” he said.
He disclosed that following a comprehensive review process, the coalition assessed governance outcomes within the constituency, with particular focus on developments recorded in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA between 2017 and 2025 under the leadership of the immediate past Executive Chairman, Mayor Dele Oshinowo.
According to him, the assessment was further strengthened by a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2026, where deliberations were conducted on aspirants seeking to represent Kosofe Federal Constituency.
“The coalition reached a unanimous position based on empirical evaluation, stakeholder inputs, and verifiable governance records,” he said.
Omotehinse listed key achievements attributed to Oshinowo’s tenure to include infrastructural expansion through the development of administrative complexes, legislative facilities, and modern markets, which enhanced institutional efficiency, created jobs, and boosted internally generated revenue.
He added that the administration also implemented sustainable water and sanitation projects, including multi-community industrial boreholes, improved road networks to enhance mobility and commerce, and invested in education through school construction, rehabilitation, and student support initiatives.
Other areas highlighted include strengthened primary healthcare delivery through facility upgrades and medical outreach programmes, as well as youth empowerment and economic inclusion initiatives focused on skills development and enterprise support.
The coalition concluded that Oshinowo has demonstrated a consistent record of public service anchored on delivery, innovation, and accountability.
“An objective comparative analysis places him in a leading position among aspirants across political divides. His tenure provides a credible governance framework that can be effectively translated into legislative representation at the federal level,” he said.
The group called on constituents to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven performance in the electoral process, stressing the importance of informed civic participation.
“We encourage citizens and stakeholders within Kosofe Federal Constituency to support leadership that reflects tested capacity and a clear commitment to inclusive development,” he added.
Omotehinse maintained that the position of the coalition was based on empirical evaluation and guided by the principles of transparency, justice, and accountable governance.
He further stated that the coalition unanimously agreed that Mayor Dele Oshinowo is best positioned among aspirants to represent Kosofe Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
Speaking further, he noted that Oshinowo’s tenure as chairman was marked by notable achievements, including the development of housing estates, resolution of community disputes, construction of stadia, and transformation of markets into modern facilities.
“We conducted thorough assessments and engaged residents of the constituency. Though we are not members of any political party, we believe the APC should present a credible candidate. If the party fails to do so, he may consider contesting on another platform,” he said.
On the issue of consensus, Omotehinse said it remains an internal party matter but expressed confidence that Oshinowo would emerge if a primary election is conducted.
Addressing concerns over the Owode Onirin demolition, he stated that although the incident occurred during Oshinowo’s tenure, investigations revealed it was carried out by a private individual following a court judgment on a portion of the land.
He explained that the demolition, which affected parts of the spare parts market, is currently a subject of litigation, adding that Oshinowo was no longer in office when the situation escalated in August 2025.
The coalition reiterated its call on the APC to ensure that a credible candidate emerges for the constituency ahead of the 2027 election