Prince Abdul Rasheed Kashamu

IJEBU NORTH/IJEBU EAST/OGUN WATERSIDE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: WHY APC MEMBERS, LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS SHOULD BACK HON. RASHEED KASHAMU AS HOUSE OF REPS CANDIDATE FOR 2027

𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙡

The time is becoming much nearer for the All Progressives' Congress (APC), like other political parties, to present flag bearers for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections and the responsibility before members, leaders and stakeholders is about choosing capacity, loyalty, courage, competence and grassroots relevance. The people are yearning for representation that is visible, vocal and impactful and Hon. Rasheed Kashamu is indeed, the kind of progressive voice the moment demands.

The task ahead is not for a figurehead. It is for a bridge-builder. A legislator who understands the language of the grassroots, yet possesses the intelligence, confidence and political dexterity to engage effectively at the national stage. In Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, the APC has before it a young, vibrant and forward-thinking lawmaker whose political journey has consistently reflected the true ideals of progressive leadership.

Youthfulness in leadership is not merely about age; it is about energy, adaptability, courage, innovation and the willingness to confront challenges with fresh ideas. Hon. Rasheed Kashamu embodies these qualities naturally. He is agile in thought, ebullient in spirit, outspoken on matters that concern the people and politically mature enough to navigate the complex terrain of national legislation without losing touch with the ordinary people who entrusted him with leadership.

In addition to this, he has already distinguished himself as a legislator who understands that public office is a trust not a mere title. His performance at the Ogun State House of Assembly has not gone unnoticed. Through active legislative participation, consistent constituency engagement, immense project facilitation and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, he has demonstrated that indeed, a leader must remain connected to the realities of everyday citizens.

His growing political profile is built around responsiveness and genuine grassroots connection. These are qualities that cannot be manufactured during election season. They are earned over time through service, sacrifice and consistency.

Beyond his impressive performance at the state level lies an even greater promise which is the possibility of giving Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency a strong and respected voice at the Green Chamber. The House of Representatives is not merely a ceremonial institution; it is a battleground of ideas, influence, negotiation and advocacy. Constituencies that enjoy meaningful federal presence are often represented by individuals who possess the courage to speak, the intelligence to negotiate and the relationships necessary to attract opportunities home.

Hon. Rasheed Kashamu possesses these rare attributes.

He has the temperament and political wherewithal to effectively engage his colleagues, build strategic alliances, defend the interests of his constituency and ensure that the Federal Constituency is no longer relegated to the background in national conversations. His ability to communicate boldly and intelligently makes him naturally suited for the national stage, where representation requires visibility, articulation and strategic influence.

More importantly, stakeholders can trust that he will remain faithful to the progressive ideology of the APC. In a political era where personal interests and ideological inconsistency have become common, loyalty to party values remains a priceless asset.

The APC must also recognise the political advantage of presenting a youthful and people-oriented candidate ahead of 2027. Across the country, there is a growing demand for younger leaders who are closer to the realities of the people and capable of inspiring broader participation in governance. Hon. Rasheed Kashamu naturally fits into this national conversation. His emergence would not only energise the party’s grassroots structure but also strengthen APC’s appeal among young voters, artisans, market men and women, professionals and first-time voters who desire a representative they can truly identify with.

Asides legislation, the people deserve a representative who understands the broader responsibilities of federal representation. A member of the House of Representatives must facilitate development, influence federal projects, create access to opportunities and attract interventions that improve lives directly. Hon. Kashamu is well-positioned to pursue federal roads, healthcare interventions, educational support programmes, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural opportunities, skills acquisition initiatives and employment partnerships that can positively transform the constituency.

His understanding of governance from the state level gives him an institutional advantage. Having learned the legislative process from the Ogun State House of Assembly, he is not approaching this office as an experiment. Rather, he is coming prepared, experienced and better equipped for greater responsibility. The Green Chamber requires lawmakers who can hit the ground running from day one, not individuals who will spend years learning the ropes while their constituency stagnates.

Kashamu represents the hope of stronger representation.

He represents the voice of the ordinary people.

He represents a new generation of progressive leadership committed to service, accountability and performance.

For the APC, presenting him as its flag bearer would be a strategic investment in credible representation, party strength and electoral success ahead of 2027.

The time has come to move the Federal Constituency back to the front row of national relevance and with Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, that journey becomes not only possible but achievable.

Adetola Lawal, a political analyst, writes from Atikori, Ijebu Igbo