Former Kwara State commissioner of finance, Chief (Mrs) Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi, formally declared her bid for the federal House of Representatives seat representing the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero constituency on Friday. The announcement was made at a political event in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, where she pledged to champion inclusive governance. "Inclusive governance is key to sustainable development. I am committed to strengthening women's representation across all programmes and initiatives, guided by merits, proven capacity, track record, and strong grassroots connections," she said. She added that her administration would ensure all demographic needs are met to promote unity and fairness.
Oyeyemi, who served as Kwara APC's state campaign spokesperson in 2023, is one of 11 aspirants seeking the party's ticket. The event drew support from key party figures, including Prince Shuaib Olanrewaju, chairman of the APC elders caucus, who urged backing for Oyeyemi based on federal gender inclusion policies and rotational equity. Mrs. Angel Adelaja, Ogun State director of the City Boys Movement and special adviser to the governor on agriculture, endorsed her, citing her experience and connections. "She has the long leg that will benefit you," Adelaja said. The City Boys Movement coordinator also encouraged support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
A former state commissioner leveraging federal gender policies and political connections to win a seat signals less a shift toward equality and more a recalibration of patronage. Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi's campaign, backed by figures citing her "long leg," suggests access to power remains rooted in proximity to existing networks, not structural change. For constituents, this means promises of development may hinge more on who she knows in Abuja than on accountable representation. If elected, her effectiveness will depend on loyalty to patrons, not gender or grassroots merit.
