Olajide Esan, the African Action Congress flagbearer for the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election, has urged for a radical restructuring of Nigeria’s political framework. Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Guest Platform in Osun, Esan argued that the current climate prevents capable individuals from pursuing leadership, favoring those who treat governance as a commercial venture.
Esan expressed his commitment to participatory governance, promising to prioritize the needs of residents over partisan interests. He criticized the cycle of recycling leaders since 1999, which he claims has institutionalized nepotism. Instead, he advocates for a model of public service rooted in the collective aspirations of the people.
The candidate unveiled several policy goals, including the creation of an Osun Child Trust Fund to support education and youth entrepreneurship, and a pledge to donate his salary to assist senior citizens. He also proposed an accurate residents’ database for better planning. On traditional leadership, Esan suggested allocating specific local government revenue to traditional rulers to bolster community development, provided they refrain from partisan activities. Regarding natural resources, he promised to clamp down on illegal mining, which he asserts currently benefits only a corrupt minority at the expense of Osun citizens. Furthermore, he emphasized a need for caution regarding genetically modified organisms in agriculture, advocating for policies that support local practices.
