By Nifemi Peters

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Samson Opeyemi Fatola, has challenged constituents to hold him accountable to his promises if elected in the 2027 general election.

Fatola made the call while unveiling his five-pillar manifesto, tagged “The Covenant Code: A 5-Pillar Manifesto — A Blueprint for Legislative Excellence and Urban Transformation,” at the PDP Secretariat, Molete, Ibadan.

The manifesto outlines his proposed legislative agenda for tackling some of the socio-economic, infrastructural and welfare challenges confronting residents of the constituency.

Fatola said the document was not designed as another political manifesto filled with promises that would be forgotten after an election, but as a covenant between him and the people.

“This is my vision. This is not just an empty political promise. The Covenant Code is a sacred covenant between you and me. Keep it and refer to it at any time if I fail to deliver on what I have promised,” he said.

The PDP candidate said his decision to seek election into the House of Representatives was informed by his desire to provide effective and responsive representation while using legislation, oversight and constituency interventions to address the needs of his constituents.

He criticised what he described as the recurring cycle of political promises made during election periods, saying residents had become tired of slogans that failed to translate into meaningful development.

“There is nothing new in politics. We will do free education, infrastructure, medical care and youth employment — these are recycled slogans. The people are tired. Our campaign will be issue-based, focusing on practical solutions to the challenges confronting our people,” Fatola said.

The five pillars of the Covenant Code are Infrastructure and Community Development; Housing and Protection; Human Capital and Empowerment; Informal Labour Support; and Social Inclusion and Welfare.

According to him, the blueprint would combine legislative action, effective oversight and targeted constituency projects to address longstanding deficits across the constituency.

Fatola specifically identified flooding, inadequate potable water and poor sanitation as some of the pressing challenges requiring urgent intervention.

He mentioned communities including Foko, Bode and Asaka, where he said residents continue to experience flooding during the rainy season and face inadequate access to clean water and modern sanitation facilities.

“These are the voices of my people. These voices must be heard. In Foko, Bode and Asaka, flooding continues to disturb residents during the rainy season. In some urban communities, there is still no access to clean drinking water or modern toilet facilities,” he said.

On healthcare, Fatola pledged to advocate the establishment of healthcare centres in both Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West, stressing the need to improve access to basic medical services.

He also promised programmes targeting young people, vulnerable residents and informal workers, particularly market women who depend on small businesses for their livelihoods.

According to him, reliable cooperative schemes would be introduced to provide traders with access to finance and other forms of economic support, particularly those operating in markets such as Dugbe and Alesinloye.

Fatola further promised to establish a Senior Citizens Programme, which would include a food bank and monthly stipends for elderly residents.

He said people struggling with addiction should be treated through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes rather than being subjected solely to criminalisation.

Addressing young people at the event, Fatola described them as critical stakeholders in the development of the constituency.

“You are the voiceless, and I am your voice — the voice of the voiceless. You are the ones who have been crying. I am standing before you to take your cries and yearnings to the floor of the National Assembly,” he said.

He also challenged residents of Foko, Asaka, Akuro, Bode, Gege, Oopo and Popoyemoja to demand accountability from political representatives and assess the development delivered to their communities over the years.

Fatola said his proposed programmes were aimed at ensuring that representation at the National Assembly translated into tangible improvements in the daily lives of constituents.

The event was attended by the PDP candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi Aliu (BSA); PDP candidates for the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Constituencies I and II; the Oyo State PDP Chairman; party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.