PROF. FATAI AREMU VOWS PEOPLE-CENTRED REPRESENTATION, PRIORITISES JOBS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT;
PDP Candidate Says Humble Beginnings Inspired His Bid to Represent Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency
Professor Fatai Ayinde Aremu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, has said his journey from humble beginnings to academic distinction has strengthened his determination to give ordinary people a stronger voice in governance.
Speaking in an interview published by Tribune on Wednesday, Aremu explained that his personal experiences had given him a deeper understanding of the difficulties facing many Nigerians. He maintained that effective representation requires leaders to remain connected to the people and understand their everyday struggles.
The professor recalled working in a bakery and engaging in aso-oke weaving before attaining his current academic status, describing his life story as evidence that people from modest backgrounds can achieve remarkable success when opportunities are available.
His political message is captured in the slogan “Dadin Kowa,” alongside the expression “Omo Talika n’ọ jẹ Eniyan Nla,” which conveys the belief that children from ordinary homes can rise to positions of greatness.
Three Priority Areas
Outlining his agenda for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Aremu identified job creation and enterprise development, effective representation, and community development as the central pillars of his proposed programme.
On economic empowerment, he said he would pursue opportunities for young people, support small and medium-sized businesses, assist farmers and encourage growth in digital and creative industries. These, he noted, could help expand economic opportunities and improve livelihoods across the constituency.
On representation, the PDP candidate promised regular engagement with constituents through quarterly town hall meetings and an accessible constituency office. He said sustained communication with residents would enable him to understand their needs and make their concerns central to his legislative priorities.
Aremu also pledged to help community groups identify and access external grants and development opportunities to support projects that respond to local challenges.
Calls for Issue-Based Politics
Explaining his decision to venture into politics, Aremu said he wanted to translate his academic research and policy ideas into practical interventions capable of improving people’s lives.
He also expressed concern over the growing influence of money in Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that expensive campaigns and vote-buying could undermine democratic competition by placing financial strength above competence and the quality of candidates.
On relations between lawmakers and governors, he advocated cooperation across party lines, stressing that public interest and development should take precedence over political differences.
As the 2027 elections approach, Aremu is positioning his personal journey, grassroots connection and proposed development agenda as the foundation of his aspiration to represent Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency.
His campaign message centres on inclusive governance, economic opportunity and a more accessible system of representation, with the ultimate test resting on how effectively such commitments can translate into tangible benefits for constituents.
