The Oyo State Secretariat of the Accord Political Party at Yemetu, Ibadan was today, Thursday filled with songs, chants, and a carnival-like atmosphere as Hon. Mogaji Odeyale Akinwumi Timothy, former Ward Councilor, officially picked his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The event drew a large turnout of party leaders and elders, youth groups, women associations, and supporters from across the two local government areas of the constituency.
Describing the moment as more than a political formality, Hon. Timothy said the exercise represents “a renewal of covenant between me and the people of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency to serve with integrity, to represent with courage, and to deliver with results.”
“I do not come to you as a political stranger,” he told the gathering. “I have served you at the grassroots as a Ward Councilor, and together we recorded increased performance that touched lives in tangible ways – from community interventions to youth engagement and support for small businesses.”
He emphasized that his grassroots experience has shaped his approach to leadership. “True leadership begins at the ward level. It is where you learn to listen before you speak, to solve before you promise, and to be accountable before you are celebrated. I am bringing that same tested approach, now at a larger scale, to the Federal House of Representatives.”
Outlining his legislative agenda, Hon. Timothy pledged to champion bills and constituency projects that improve healthcare access, expand educational opportunities, enhance security, and create economic opportunities for residents of Egbeda and Ona-Ara.
A major highlight of his speech was his commitment to youth and women empowerment. He announced plans to establish a Constituency Youth Skills and Innovation Hub to provide training in digital technology, trades, and agriculture, along with startup support for young entrepreneurs.
For women, he promised a Women’s Economic Empowerment Scheme through cooperative funding and capacity-building programs to strengthen businesses and improve household income.
“An empowered youth population reduces crime. An empowered woman uplifts an entire family. And an empowered community builds a stronger nation,” he stated.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Accord Party, Hon. Timothy stressed his belief in party supremacy as the foundation for strong and stable governance.
“I am proud to be a member of the Accord as a Political Party – that built its foundation on principles, discipline, and the supremacy of its constitution and structures. Party supremacy is not about blind loyalty, but about building strong institutions that outlive individuals and deliver consistent, people-centered governance,” he said.
He also promised open, accessible, and transparent representation, vowing to run a constituency office that belongs to the people and to hold quarterly town hall meetings to give account of stewardship.
“Good representation means being present, not absent. It means being answerable, not arrogant. It means delivering, not deceiving,” he declared.
Hon. Timothy pledged to work collaboratively with all levels of government to attract federal projects to Egbeda/Ona-Ara while ensuring transparency in execution and fairness in distribution.
“Democracy must move beyond election-day promises. The dividend of democracy must be visible in our roads, our schools, our health centers, and in the pockets of our people,” he said. “I will be a voice for the voiceless and a bridge between our people and the government at the center.”
Party leaders at the event commended Hon. Timothy’s track record at the ward level and described him as a “tested and trusted” candidate capable of advancing Accord’s vision in the constituency.
With chants of _“Accord! Progress! Egbeda/Ona-Ara!”_ echoing through the secretariat, supporters expressed optimism that his candidacy0 would reposition the constituency for greater federal attention and development.
Concluding his address, Hon. Timothy called on constituents to rally behind him, saying: “I have served at the ward level. I am ready to serve at the federal level. I am ready to represent with honor, to lead with humility, and to deliver with impact.
