By TrackNews Online
House of Assembly aspirant for Ovia South West Constituency on the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Dr. Odimientimi Desmond Agbedeyi, has said his decision to contest the election is driven by the need for effective representation rather than personal ambition.
Agbedeyi, popularly known as DOA, said he joined the race at a time when, according to him, there was no Ijaw candidate on the ground, describing the situation as an anomaly given the need for purposeful representation of the people.
In a statement, the aspirant explained that he deliberately chose the NRM despite the party’s limited political structure in the local government because he believes elections should be determined by the character, competence, conviction and commitment of candidates rather than party affiliation or ethnicity alone.
He said his commitment to the contest had also come at a personal cost, noting that he had invested his finances, time and other resources into the campaign and purchased his nomination ticket.
According to him, he was subsequently confronted with claims that he did not purchase the nomination form, while agreements allegedly reached between stakeholders were, in his view, not honoured.
Agbedeyi also dismissed claims that he had withdrawn from the race, stressing that he had not authorised anyone to announce his withdrawal.
“Let me make my position clear: I have not entered into any agreement authorising anyone to announce my withdrawal on my behalf,” he stated.
The NRM aspirant said he does not consider himself a wealthy politician and acknowledged that he lacks the financial resources of established political interests and does not have a political godfather.
He, however, said his strength lies in his conviction, integrity, courage and commitment to the people.
“For me, this contest has never been about personal ambition. It is about representation. It is about the people,” Agbedeyi said.
He particularly identified with Bini and Ijaw communities in Ovia South West Constituency, saying many residents continue to feel neglected and insufficiently represented.
He promised that his aspiration is aimed at providing a voice that would speak for the interests of the people, demand accountability and pursue development opportunities for all communities within the constituency.
“This is bigger than one individual. It is about the future of our constituency and the kind of representation we want to build,” he added.
Agbedeyi called on his supporters and residents who have followed his political journey to understand the principles behind his candidacy, insisting that his ambition is centred on service, representation and the collective interests of the constituency.
