Stakeholders in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency have expressed concerns over the quality of legislative representation and the conduct of aspirants jostling for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Observers within the constituency, who lamented over the development amid allegations of imposition and poor performance overshadowing the race, maintained that the camp of the incumbent lawmaker and supporters of another aspirant were involved in toxic engagements.

With the heated rhetoric fuelling worries among constituents who fear that personal attacks are distracting from substantive debate on developmental issues, it was argued that the situation might further deepen the political tension in both Owo and Ose Local Council Areas.

According to the constituents, among the candidates contesting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, Nuel Ola Elehinle stands out as a distinct alternative.

Elehinle, a former Commissioner on the board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), is being promoted by his backers as the candidate with a verifiable record of community interventions across the two local government areas.

The constituents catalogued a range of grassroots initiatives, including support for farmers, bursary awards for students, payment of WAEC fees, provision of furniture to schools, installation of solar street lights, free medical and eye outreach programmes, and distribution of free books and school shoes to pupils in public schools as the reason for supporting Elehinle.

They also harp on his long-standing political involvement, stating that he has remained active in the party from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) era through to the APC and is regarded as a key mobiliser in Owo, Ose, and across Ondo State.

“Of all the aspirants, Hon. Nuel Ola Elehinle has the most consistent record of direct engagement with the people,” a supporter said. “The constituency needs representation that translates into tangible benefits for residents.”

As the APC prepares for its primary election, stakeholders in Owo/Ose say the focus should be squarely on candidates’ track records and their proven ability to deliver effective representation at the National Assembly.

“What we need in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency is impactful federal presence in terms of infrastructure facilities. We need good roads, particularly the expansion and reconstruction of the federal roads in the constituency.

“This would surely enhance the commercial activities in towns and villages in the constituency, which will invariably impact the standard of living of the people. Elehinle has a good track record which makes him preferable for the job. We hope his party will elect him as its candidate during its primaries.”