As the 2027 electoral season beckons, politicians and political platforms have switched a gear up with lots of jostling, alignments and positioning. To the electorate, the elections are further away, but for the partisan political class, the elections are here already. For a politically sophisticated state like Ogun, you expect no less, as the conversation and contestation for different offices are on the rise.
One of such office eliciting discussions at the moment is the Ogun Central senatorial seat. Before now, electioneering heat in the Gateway state has always been generated by jostling for the ultimate office – being the governor; especially accentuated by the perennial agitation by the people of Ogun West. However, the performance and impact of the present set of national assembly members from the state, has been an eye opener; in terms of the opportunities that exist from the legislature.
Whereas, infrastructural expansion and economic development initiatives are exclusive responsibilities of the executive arm of government, but legislators, spurred by the need to make indelible impact in the lives of their constituencies (outside of their primary functions of lawmaking), have made them give priority to project facilitation and empowerment. Amazingly, these functions nowadays have taken added significance over their primary functions; and on that premise, legislators are now assessed as either performing or not.
In the case of Ogun central senatorial district, the jury is out there whether the current occupier, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, a first timer, have in the last two and half years, delivered on the mandate given to him and satisfied the yearnings of his constituents. The Chairman of Senate committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, has mainly pursued policies to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and supporting tech startups and digital skills training for youths in his district.
Nevertheless, overabundance of opinion indicates there is much that can be achieved in a politically urbane district like Ogun Central than what currently obtains. They cite example of the quality of representation and service being enjoyed by Ogun West particularly and Ogun East to a considerable extent; to the effect that while it is a given for a legislator to succeed in lawmaking, evolving realities necessitate success in the area of projects facilitation, empowerment of constituents and elevation of the people’s welfare. Apparently, these are areas where huge gap exist at the moment and many feel there is indeed need for change of guard come 2027.
Some individuals have indicated interest to succeed Salisu at the red chamber. A notable entrant into the race is Otunba Muraino Olatunji Banjoko, a seasoned entrepreneur and Chairman of Threeco Construction Company; a real estate firm with considerable portfolio in Southwest Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The grassroots politician, fondly called Threeco within the political and business space, stands out as a philanthropist, grassroots mobilizer, and business leader whose accessibility and track record of service make him a compelling choice for the APC ticket in Ogun Central come 2027.
His consistent identification and investment in people and communities, contrasts sharply with the perceived shortcomings of the current representation, which positions him as a credible alternative that the future demands. Threeco has built a reputation as a man of the people, anchored on philanthropy and service. For decades, he has used his resources via the Threeco Foundation, to carry out philanthropic gestures, such as scholarships for indigent students, empowerment programmess for women and youths and sponsoring medical outreaches in rural communities across the six local governments of Ogun Central.
What is novel about his philanthropy is that his gestures are not seasonal or politically motivated; they are a reflection of his values. As one community leader in Akute, Ifo local government of the district recently remarked, “Threeco’s good deeds are not hidden, he has always been accessible to us, even when there was no election in sight”. This accessibility is a benchmark for the new type of public office holders Nigerians yearn for; that it leaders who are not distant from the electorate but who maintain an open-door policy, something that is deficient in the current circumstance. Threeco himself emphasized this in a grassroots gathering recently: “My agenda is anchored on inclusivity and accessibility. I will sustain my open-door policy and never be distant from the people.”
Beyond charity, Threeco’s business acumen demonstrates his ability to manage resources effectively, create jobs, and drive development. This background is crucial for legislative duties, where resource allocation, oversight, and policy formulation require sharp economic insight. His success in business is valid proof that he can bring pragmatic solutions to national challenges and ensuring that Ogun Central benefits maximally from the centre. Some residents of Ogun Central believe that beyond the act of lawmaking, he is the type of representative that will hold to heart, the imperative and urgent need to empower the people and attract people-focused federal intervention to the district.
Unlike many politicians who only surface during election seasons, Threeco has consistently engaged with the grassroots and this is not just about visibility, it mirrors genuine connection. People have severally described him as “a politician with a human face”, which emphasizes his reputation for empathy and responsiveness to the needs of people. Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the current representative of Ogun Central, has faced criticism over perceived non-performance with many constituents arguing that accessibility and tangible impact have been lacking.
Contrastingly, Threeco’s track record of benevolence and grassroots engagement offers a refreshing alternative and a shift toward leadership that personify service, transparency, and accountability. Clearly, the advent of Otunba Banjoko’s senatorial aspiration is a challenge to the incumbent and others on the turf as it opens up a new vista of shining prospects to build upon some illustrious representation Ogun Central senatorial district has had in the likes of Senators Femi Okunroumu, Ibikunle Amosun, Lanre Tejuoso, Iyabo Obasanjo and Gbenga Obadara.
As preparations for the 2027 elections thickens, Ogun Central deserves a representative who symbolizes the values of competence, accessibility and service. Otunba Muraino Olatunji Banjoko, through the trajectory of his life, is uniquely positioned to redefine what it means to hold public office. His generosity, business acumen, and grassroots appeal makes him the most suitable APC candidate to represent Ogun Central in the National Assembly.
In the words of Reverend Yemi Adekunle, a community leader who spoke on behalf of various support groups at a consultative gathering recently, “The senate must not be a place for pursuit of self-serving interests but a platform to amplify the voices of the marginalized. Otunba Banjoko’s aspiration is already popular because his track-record of compassion and grassroots engagement has made him a formidable contender in the race to represent Ogun Central at the Senate”. For this writer, Threeco falls in that distinctive category of transformational leaders whose pedigree and vision gives meaning to democracy and this must not be missed by Ogun Central.
Adekunle, a public servant, writes from Odeda, Ogun State.
