2027: Dele Omosehin and the case for purposeful representation in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency

By Oluwatoyin Babatunde

It is a statement of fact that there is a horde of aspirants currently jostling to pick the ticket of the APC for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections.

It is also not in doubt that the race for the APC ticket for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency has become one of the most closely watched contests in Ondo State, given the array of individuals on the radar trying to outdo one another for the coveted ticket.

Among the emerging aspirants, all metrics of assessment considered and evaluated, one figure continues to draw attention for all the right reasons. He is no other person than Dele Omosehin, the man of the moment, and for all seasons, well-rooted at home and highly influential abroad. He’s a breath of fresh air, coming to repurpose the federal constituency for the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

In a political landscape where promises often outpace performance, Omosehin represents a radical departure from the norm and the past, where holding elective offices was meant to further the nest of the officeholders to the detriment of the electorate. He is not a newcomer seeking visibility through lofty but tired rhetoric that was used to bamboozle unsuspecting members of the public in the past. He is a familiar name whose contributions to community development long predate his political ambition, which is a culmination of pressure mounted on him by a broad section of the constituency asking him to throw his hat into the ring.

But, why is Dele Omosehin the best fit among the lot vying for the ticket of the APC? I invite you to this brief and condensed X-ray that speaks to his capacity, capability and deep connections with the people of the constituency.

A record rooted in service

Across the various communities of Okitipupa and Irele that traverse the 13 wards in the constituency, Dele Omosehin’s footprint is easily traceable through years of consistent empowerment initiatives channelled via the Bamidele Omosehin Foundation(BOF). His philanthropic activities have ranged from scholarships for students and financial support for widows to business grants for traders and artisans. He has been a steady hand, offering tangible support where government intervention has often been absent.

Omosehin’s engagement with his constituency has not been sporadic or seasonal. It radiates a streak of consistency seen over the years. It also reflects a deeper philosophy that true leadership begins with empathy and service. Many of his beneficiaries describe him as a man who listens and acts, a quality distinguishing him in a political environment often marked by detachment and neglect.

Entrepreneurial excellence meets public purpose

Before stepping into the political arena, Omosehin built a strong reputation as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist with his business interests spanning diverse sectors. His journey through the business world has equipped him with practical insight into economic realities. He is an employer of labour. Therefore, job creation for the teeming unemployed youths in the constituency won’t be a difficult task. He is adept at enterprise management and so with strategic planning.

This entrepreneurial experience is more than a résumé booster; it’s a foundation for effective public service. He understands that governance in the 21st century requires innovation, accountability, and an eye for results. For a constituency yearning for economic revitalisation, such a background is as desirable as indispensable.

Charisma anchored on substance

Dele Omosehin’s mass appeal to the people goes beyond his philanthropic gestures and sundry empowerment programmes meant to bail the downtrodden out of their economic predicament. He is charismatic yet grounded, approachable yet firm in conviction. His interactive session with a cross-section of some of his constituents in Akure recently shows a man who’s self-assured yet willing to be a team player. His interactions with party members, youths, and traditional leaders often leave the impression of a man prepared for leadership based on the feedback from such encounters. He values relationships as attested to by his high school mates, but never compromises principles.

Within APC circles, he has earned a reputation for loyalty and decorum. Colleagues describe him as a team player who understands party dynamics and respects hierarchy while offering fresh perspectives. He is loyal to the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa just as he is loyal to other leaders of the party both at the subnational and national levels. His penchant for excellence is evident in how he handles projects, people, and public communication, in addition to his appearances: He is calm, clear, and confident.

A problem-solver for a complex constituency

Okitipupa/Irele is a constituency with enormous potential but equally complex challenges. The challenges range from youth unemployment to infrastructural deficits and environmental concerns. It needs a representative who sees beyond rhetoric to practical and pragmatic solutions.

Omosehin’s record suggests he fits that bill. His empowerment schemes are designed not just as handouts but as pathways to economic self-reliance. His engagement with young people through mentorship and skills acquisition programmes reflects a solution-driven mindset. As a business-minded person, he prioritises long-term development over short-term populism.

Why the APC should look his way

As the APC prepares for its primaries, delegates face a crucial decision, but it is not a difficult decision to make. The party’s strength in Okitipupa/Irele will depend on its ability to present a formidable candidate who demonstrates credibility and competence. Dele Omosehin stands out in this regard.

He brings to the table not only popularity but a tested capacity for results. His loyalty to the party is unquestionable, his relationship with the grassroots genuine, and his developmental vision clear. Electing him would signal that the APC values performance and integrity, which are the qualities that resonate with the electorate very well.

In a season when politics often rewards noise over substance, Dele Omosehin offers the APC and the people of Okitipupa/Irele a chance to redefine representation, which is built on capacity, compassion, and commitment to community progress.

For a constituency in search of credible and purposeful leadership come 2027, the choice seems pretty obvious: Dele Omosehin, a man who rolls with the mighty yet mingles with ordinary people seamlessly. He is the best fit for the APC. He has done it in the business world, let us test him in the political world.

Oluwatoyin Babatunde, a public policy analyst, writes from Okitipupa.