By Dare Akogun
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, has dismissed as inconsequential, what he described some sponsored online polls to assess the chances of candidates ahead of the 2023 general election.
Ajia, who addressed Journalists in Ilorin after attending the maiden political debate of the Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), took a swipe at his counterparts from other parties who failed to honour the invitation for the debate.
He said the electorate would determine the fate of flag-bearers of political parties in the polls physically when the time comes and not what he described as fake online polls promoted by politicians, who had failed in their amauterish attempts to mislead the people.
The PDP flag-bearer noted that the debate was an avenue for candidates to communicate their vision and mission to the constituents directly and not the other way round.
He further stated that his constituents deserve good representation than what they are currently getting, and he assured that he would work with like minded individuals and influence developmental projects to the constituency if given the opportunity to serve.
Ajia noted that he had toured villages in Asa and Ilorin West Local Government Areas and already has firsthand information about the desires of the communities and the populace.
“I am assuring you the people of my constituency, that I’m ready to speak for you with the loudest voice, I will represent you in a modest way beyond your expectation.
“The reason why I am here today is because I am fully prepared to be on this Kwara NUJ debate with my co- contestants but it is unfortunate that they lack respect for the good people of the Kwara.
“Instead of attend an event like this debate where they will have the opportunity to tell people what their plans are, they are going around, running some malicious and fake online polls. I don’t know what that intends to achieve for them.
“You don’t run election online. Election is done by the people. And you are being called now to come and speak to the people and you are running away from the people.
“So, who do you want to represent if you are not ready to talk to the people? Let them ask you question, tell them what you know about representation, what you know about the National Assembly, what constitutes the National Assembly, what is your own duty to the people you want to represent, how do you assist them to alleviate poverty and how do you assist them to improve social amenities within the communities.
“I can boldly tell you that I have gone round all the communities in Asa and Ilorin West Local Government Areas. I have listened to the people, I have heard their yearnings and I have firsthand information.
“I have seen what the issues are and I have seen the level of decay of infrastructure. I have related with them and they have explained to me the pains they are going through since the coming of the current administration in Kwara State.
“So, we are ready to work together to usher in a new administration that will ensure dividend of democracy is delivered to common people. This is what I have come here to do. But it is unfortunate that these people refused to show up for this debate”.
