A coalition of stakeholders under the aegis of E4 Development Advocates has declared its support for the re-election of Hon. Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, citing good performance.
The group made its position known on Tuesday during a press briefing in Osogbo, where it described Salam’s return to the National Assembly as ‘sensible, just and equitable’ in view of his legislative performance and constituency outreach.
Addressing journalists, the Coordinator of the group, Dr Ogundeji Awoniyi, said Salam had distinguished himself as one of the most productive lawmakers in the current assembly, citing his ranking among top-performing legislators based on independent assessments.
Awoniyi noted that the lawmaker’s track record includes multiple sponsored bills and dozens of legislative interventions within a single session, alongside active participation in oversight functions.
Beyond legislative duties, the group highlighted Salam’s constituency projects, which it said have impacted thousands of residents across the four local government areas through empowerment programmes, infrastructure development and social interventions.
The coalition listed projects in education, healthcare, rural electrification, water supply and youth empowerment as evidence of what it described as a people-centred approach to representation.
It specifically referenced the construction of 100 blocks classrooms, provision of bursaries to over 3,000 students, distribution of 150 million-naira grants to women and youths, as well as the installation of 50 transformers and solar-powered facilities in several communities.
The group also pointed to training initiatives and micro-credit schemes targeted at artisans, teachers and small-scale entrepreneurs as part of efforts to boost local economic development.
On political equity, the advocates dismissed claims of marginalisation within the constituency, stating that representation has rotated fairly among the constituent local governments since 1999.
They outlined the history of representation at the National Assembly and state level, noting that Ejigbo Local Government, in particular, has held multiple elective positions, including seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as leadership roles in the Osun State House of Assembly.
According to the group, the existing pattern reflects inclusiveness and balance, arguing that calls for power shift should not be based on what it described as misinformation or political sentiment.
The coalition further stressed that Salam’s current ranking and experience, including his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and membership of the ECOWAS Parliament, place him in a strategic position to attract more federal presence to the constituency if re-elected.
It added that continuity in representation would strengthen the constituency’s influence at the national level and enhance access to development opportunities.
While acknowledging the right of other aspirants to contest, the group cautioned against divisive campaigns and the spread of false narratives, urging political actors to focus on issues and verifiable records.
The advocates called on party leaders and the electorate to prioritise competence, integrity and proven performance in the selection process ahead of the election.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to unity within the political space, commending efforts by party leadership to maintain cohesion amid emerging tensions.
The group urged stakeholders to align with the development agenda of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, noting that Salam’s representation reflects the administration’s focus on people-oriented governance.
