_*By Comrade Oluwakayode Samson Adedeji*_

In every thriving democracy, the will of the people must stand above the influence of powerful individuals. Today, the voices of elders, party leaders, and faithful members across Ogun Central Senatorial District are united in a passionate appeal: our democratic space must be protected, and our right to choose must not be compromised.

Recent developments have raised serious concerns among stakeholders in Ogun Central. There is a growing perception that the process of determining who represents the district in the Senate is being influenced from outside the constituency. Such interference, if allowed to persist, undermines the very essence of democracy — a system built on fairness, equity, and the free choice of the people.

Our district is not lacking in capable aspirants. We have credible individuals who have worked tirelessly, built trust within the grassroots, and demonstrated commitment to the progress of our people. What they seek is not favouritism, but a level playing ground — a transparent and just process where every aspirant can contest freely, and the people can decide without pressure or imposition.

Democracy thrives where there is openness, inclusiveness, and respect for due process. When external forces attempt to dictate outcomes, it erodes public confidence and breeds disillusionment among party faithful and the electorate at large. This is why the call from Ogun Central is clear and unequivocal: allow the process to be free, fair, and credible.

We urge the Senate leadership, particularly Godswill Akpabio, to respect the autonomy of Ogun Central and refrain from actions that may be perceived as interference. Leadership at the national level should inspire unity and strengthen democratic values, not weaken them.

The future of our district depends on the integrity of today’s decisions. If democracy must endure, it must be defended at every level — from the grassroots to the highest offices in the land. Ogun Central deserves the opportunity to choose its representative without undue influence, intimidation, or manipulation.

This is not just about politics; it is about principle. It is about preserving the dignity of our people and ensuring that their voices are heard loud and clear. The credibility of our democratic system depends on it.

Let fairness prevail. Let justice guide the process. Above all, let the people decide.

Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla has emerged as the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Alimosho Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on May 3, 2026, where party leaders and executives agreed on a unified candidate after consultations with aspirants and key party figures.

Speaking on the development, the PDP Local Government Chairman in Alimosho, Honourable Shodiya, explained that the selection process began with three aspirants who initially showed interest in contesting on the coalition platform.

According to him, the aspirants were encouraged to step down for one another in the interest of party unity, but they were unable to reach an agreement. The matter was then referred to party stakeholders for a final decision.

He said that during the stakeholders’ deliberation, members unanimously endorsed Ewenla as their preferred candidate.

In his acceptance message, Ewenla expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, executives and members across Alimosho for the confidence reposed in him to represent the constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.

He described May 3, 2026 as a historic day for the party in Alimosho, noting that the consensus process was peaceful, credible and demonstrated maturity within the local chapter.

The candidate also extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants who were not selected, urging them to remain committed to the party’s collective goal.

He stressed that politics remains a continuous journey and appealed for unity as the party prepares to face opposition candidates, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the forthcoming elections.

Ewenla further appreciated the Lagos State PDP leadership, led by Amos Fawole, for allowing local government chapters to adopt the consensus option in line with the party constitution.

He noted that Alimosho PDP demonstrated leadership by presenting a candidate without conflict or division, adding that he is fully prepared to contest and represent the people.

He concluded by calling on party members to move forward together with determination, unity and shared purpose as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

A powerful wave of resistance is building across Nigeria’s elite alumni network as the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) prepares for a coordinated nationwide awareness walk aimed at safeguarding the legacy and assets of Federal Unity Colleges.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the high-impact rally will simultaneously hold in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, drawing participation from thousands of old students under the unifying banner: “Pro Unitate – Better Together.”

Insiders within the association reveal that the rally is not just symbolic but a strategic response to growing concerns over alleged plans to commercialise or dispose of critical assets belonging to Unity Schools, a move many alumni describe as “short-sighted and dangerous.”

According to organisers, the objective is clear: to send a strong, unmistakable message to policymakers and stakeholders that the heritage of Unity Schools must be preserved, not monetised.

“This is about legacy, identity, and national cohesion,” a senior USOSA member told TheCityPulseNews under anonymity. “Unity Schools were built to foster national integration. Selling their lands or assets undermines that very foundation.”

The campaign has already gained traction online, with members urged to amplify visibility through branded display pictures and coordinated messaging ahead of the event. The mobilisation strategy reflects a well-structured advocacy push designed to capture both public attention and institutional response.

Observers note that this could mark a turning point in how alumni bodies across Nigeria engage with government policies affecting legacy institutions. USOSA’s move signals a shift from passive concern to active civic engagement , a model that could inspire similar interventions nationwide.

Security and logistics arrangements are reportedly being finalised across the three cities, with local coordinators ensuring peaceful and orderly participation.

As May 9 approaches, one thing is certain, USOSA is not merely organizing a walk, it is staging a statement and the message is unequivocal – Unity Schools are a national treasure, not a commercial asset.