Imposition in a democratic system poses a serious threat to credibility and gradually erodes public trust. It undermines the very foundation upon which democracy is built—freedom of choice, fairness, and accountability.

Democracy cannot thrive where political actors resort to imposing candidates instead of upholding the principles of merit, competence, and credibility. True leadership must emerge from the will of the people, not from the influence of a select few.

Recent political developments have reaffirmed that popular mandate—not imposition—remains the legitimate pathway to leadership. The emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as a widely accepted choice of the people underscores the enduring value of credibility, proven performance, and public trust.

It would therefore amount to a betrayal of confidence and a disservice to the people if any individual or group attempts to impose a candidate within Imeko-Afon Local Government—whether driven by fear, favoritism, or political nepotism—without demonstrable competence and verifiable achievements.

The youth constituency and the broader populace of Imeko-Afon are endowed with vibrant, capable, and forward-thinking individuals who possess both the capacity and readiness to lead effectively. Leadership should be earned through merit, not assigned through influence.

We call on respected leaders, elders, and political stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the democratic process. Their wisdom and guidance are crucial at this critical time, and we urge them not to mortgage the future of the people by endorsing imposition over progress.

The people of Imeko-Afon will neither tolerate nor accept a return to outdated practices where candidates are selected without due regard for merit and the collective will of the electorate.

We therefore strongly and unequivocally appeal that all aspirants seeking to represent the people at the State Constituency level must emerge through a transparent, credible, and merit-based process. No individual’s ambition or undue influence should subject the Local Government to stagnation for another four years.

We say no to imposition. We reject favoritism rooted in political nepotism. We stand firmly for merit, credibility, and the true voice of the people.

— Luqman Okewunmi

Afon, Zone 2

Imeko-Afon Local Government