The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial aspirant in Kwara State, Engr. Sola Ajimati, who is vying for the Kwara South Senatorial seat in the 2027 poll, bared his mind to The Guardian’s Adamu Abuh on why he wants to impact positively on Nigerians through the “It’s Youth O’Clock Movement” (IYOM), the state of the legislature since 1999, and his plans for youth empowerment, security, and grassroots development if elected into the Senate.

Excerpts:

Why do you want to begin your political career with the Senate?

I am not coming into politics for titles or fame. I am coming with capacity, exposure, networks, and practical experience in leadership, engineering, youth development, and national projects. The Senate provides a broader platform to attract opportunities, influence policies, and deliver meaningful development for Kwara South on a larger scale. I believe this is the right level for me to make immediate and lasting impact.

Do you think you stand a chance with the consensus arrangement being canvassed by the APC?

Yes, I do. Politics is about consultation, relationships, loyalty, and value. I respect the leadership of the party and all stakeholders, but I also believe the voice of the people matters. The youths, women, and grassroots are asking for energetic, accessible, and forward-thinking representation. Consensus, in my view, should reflect competence, capacity, and acceptability.

Why do you think you will perform better than the incumbent Senator?

I respect the incumbent Senator and appreciate his service. However, every generation brings a different energy and approach to leadership. My leadership will be grassroots-driven, youth-focused, and technology-oriented. I will remain accessible to the people while prioritising youth empowerment, ICT, education, rural development, and economic opportunities. Most importantly, securing our communities will be a top priority because development can only thrive where there is peace and safety.

What is your assessment of the legislature since 1999?

Our democracy has grown significantly since 1999, and the legislature has played important roles in stabilising democratic governance. However, many Nigerians still feel disconnected from their representatives because the impact at the grassroots level has not been sufficient. We need a more people-oriented legislature that prioritises accountability, inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development.

What would you do differently in the Senate?

I intend to build a Senate office that is open, active, and connected to the people. I want young people to feel represented again. My focus will be on youth employment, vocational development, digital innovation, rural infrastructure, community security support, women empowerment, and educational advancement. I also plan to attract private investments and international opportunities to Kwara South.

There is serious agitation over where the APC governorship ticket in Kwara State should go. What is your advice?

My advice is simple — fairness, unity, and strategic thinking should guide the decision. The APC must prioritise competence, loyalty, inclusiveness, and electability above sentiments. Every zone deserves respect, and whatever decision is taken should strengthen the unity of the party and secure the future of Kwara State.

If you secure the APC ticket for Kwara South Senatorial District, what challenges do you foresee?

One major challenge will be rebuilding the people’s trust in leadership after years of unfulfilled promises. Another challenge is insecurity and unemployment affecting many communities. That is why community security, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities will remain central to my mission for Kwara South.

What do you intend to do differently from the incumbent?

I want to bring active representation closer to the people. Beyond motions and bills, I will focus on direct empowerment, regular constituency engagement, skills acquisition, innovation hubs, ICT-driven education, support for local businesses, and stronger youth inclusion in governance. My generation desires leadership that listens and acts decisively.

What legacy projects of the APC government would you campaign with?

I will campaign on the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially ongoing economic reforms, infrastructure development, student loan initiatives, local government autonomy efforts, and youth-focused opportunities. At the state level, the APC has also improved infrastructure and governance stability in Kwara State. My mission is to build on those achievements and ensure Kwara South enjoys stronger representation and greater benefits.

Why is your campaign movement called “It’s Youth O’Clock”?

“It’s Youth O’Clock” is more than a slogan; it is a call for a generational shift, urging young people to rise boldly, take responsibility, and actively shape the future of our communities and nation. It stands for inclusion, empowerment, and active participation in leadership, policymaking, and decision-making.
For too long, young people have been sidelined despite their enormous capacity and potential. This movement seeks to change that narrative because the future belongs to those who are willing to rise and contribute today. This is our time. It’s Youth O’Clock. Let us rise and build the future together.
What time is it? It’s Youth O’Clock.