Yagba Must Move Forward, Not Backward” — Progress Defenders Rally Support for Abejide’s Development Drive, Warn Against Politics of Distraction
Yagba Progress Defenders have defended the record of Rep. Leke Abejide, highlighting his ₦10 million intervention across communities, infrastructure efforts and grassroots impact while calling for continuity of development in Yagba Federal Constituency.
“Yagba Must Move Forward, Not Backward” — Progress Defenders Rally Support for Abejide’s Development Drive, Warn Against Politics of Distraction
A coalition of concerned stakeholders under the platform of Yagba Progress Defenders has declared that the development and progress of Yagba Federal Constituency must remain above political interests, urging residents to protect what it described as a new era of visible representation and grassroots transformation.
The group made the declaration during a press briefing where it addressed recent political discussions surrounding the leadership and representation of Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency.
According to the group, its intervention was not motivated by partisan interest but by the need to defend development initiatives and encourage continuity of programmes that have positively impacted communities across Yagba.
The conveners, Omosona T. Olakunle and David Owah, said the constituency is currently witnessing a level of representation, empowerment and accessibility that deserves recognition and protection.
They identified the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, as a central figure in the current development drive, citing his interventions in infrastructure, education, empowerment, healthcare support and community development.
The group particularly highlighted the recent distribution of ₦10 million each to communities across Yagba as a major grassroots intervention, describing it as a direct initiative aimed at addressing community needs.
According to Yagba Progress Defenders, the programme demonstrated a commitment to placing development resources directly in the hands of communities to enable them execute projects that reflect their immediate priorities.
The group questioned why a representative with visible projects and measurable interventions should face campaigns aimed at undermining his continued service.
“Should performance become a crime? Should development become a political offence? Should excellence be punished?” the group asked, insisting that the interest of the people must remain the foundation of political decisions.
The coalition argued that the people of Yagba deserve continuity of development rather than a return to what it described as years of unfulfilled promises.
Defending Democratic Process
Addressing concerns raised over the emergence of Rep. Abejide as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, the group maintained that the party’s primary election was conducted according to established guidelines and democratic procedures.
It urged stakeholders and members of the public to rely on facts and lawful processes rather than narratives capable of creating confusion.
The group noted that seeking re-election remains a constitutional right of any qualified Nigerian and that the final decision belongs to the electorate through the ballot box.
According to the coalition, political disagreements should not overshadow the importance of allowing citizens to freely determine their preferred representatives.
Abejide’s Political Journey and APC Support
The group also recalled that Rep. Abejide’s political relevance predates his membership of the APC, stating that his acceptance among the people was built on accessibility, service and grassroots connection.
It explained that his eventual movement into the APC followed calls from various stakeholders and supporters who believed his presence would strengthen the party and improve development efforts within the constituency.
The coalition described Abejide as an important political asset to the APC in Yagba Federal Constituency, noting his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It urged APC leaders at all levels to recognise what it described as his electoral value, community acceptance and developmental contributions.
Call for Issue-Based Politics
Yagba Progress Defenders cautioned against political activities driven by misinformation, personal interests or attempts to distract from development discussions.
The group maintained that leadership should be assessed based on performance, impact and commitment to the people.
It called on political stakeholders to embrace issue-based engagement, respect democratic processes and prioritise the collective interest of Yagba above individual ambitions.
According to the group, the future of the constituency should be determined by the informed choice of the people and not by political manipulation.
“Development must be protected. Progress must be defended. Facts must prevail over falsehood,” the coalition stated.
The group concluded by urging residents and leaders to continue supporting initiatives that promote unity, empowerment and sustainable development across Yagba Federal Constituency.