The SMS Strategic Mobilization Sisters, a grassroots support group backing Barrister Seun Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu (TNA), the Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Federal Constituency, have taken their campaign to the streets, canvassing support for their preferred candidate and calling for a change in the constituency’s representation.
The group embarked on a street-to-street mobilisation exercise, engaging traders, residents and other members of the public while displaying banners in support of Ashamu. After the exercise, the women addressed journalists, explaining the reasons behind their decision to support the former commissioner.
Addressing journalists, the group said “O Tó Gé” (enough is enough) had become their message to the people of Oyo Federal Constituency, arguing that the incumbent federal lawmaker, whom they said had represented the constituency for 12 years and is seeking another term, should give way to a new generation of leadership.
According to the women, Oyo Federal Constituency needs “young minds, fresh ideas and a new direction,” insisting that Ashamu remains the candidate they believe can deliver the desired change after carefully studying his antecedents and record of public service.
They also pointed to Ashamu’s tenure as a commissioner in Oyo State, claiming that he used his position to assist Oyo indigenes through job opportunities, empowerment initiatives and other interventions. The group also cited his involvement in efforts towards the rehabilitation of roads in Oyo, describing such interventions as evidence of his commitment to the development of the people.
The mobilisers told journalists that their support for Ashamu was not based merely on political affiliation but on what they described as his track record, accessibility, capacity and understanding of the needs of the people.
They maintained that representation should go beyond occupying a political office, stressing that the people deserve a representative capable of bringing opportunities, development, empowerment and fresh ideas to the constituency.
The women urged voters across Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas to consider a change in leadership, as political activities gather momentum ahead of the election.
With their banners raised and chants of “O Tó Gé” echoing through the streets, the SMS Strategic Mobilization Sisters said they were determined to take the message of TNA and what they described as the need for renewed representation directly to the people.
