Segun Tomori Launches APC Campaign for Oshodi-Isolo II House of Representatives Seat
Segun Tomori, the immediate past Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has officially declared his aspiration to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II in Lagos State. He made this announcement on Sunday, stating his candidacy will be under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political Journey Rooted in Democratic Struggles
In a detailed statement, Tomori revealed that his decision to enter active politics in 2010 was profoundly influenced by his early experiences with Nigeria's democratic challenges. He highlighted the pivotal events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election and its subsequent annulment, which marked the end of the Third Republic. Growing up under military rule, Tomori witnessed the hope and excitement that accompanied the June 12 election, leaving a lasting impression on him and sparking a deep interest in governance and political engagement.
He recounted, "Until then, what I knew as a government since birth was military rule. Witnessing the hope and excitement on the faces of my parents and other adults at the time struck a deep chord in me." This experience fueled his passion for following the struggle to de-annul the elections, deepening his affinity with politics and prompting him to engage with newspapers and magazines of that era, such as Concord newspapers, Tell magazine, and The News.
Inspiration from Pro-Democracy Movements
Tomori also reflected on the sacrifices made by key figures in Nigeria's pro-democracy movement, including President Bola Tinubu, Pa Anthony Enahoro, Dan Suleiman, and his boss, Dele Alake. He noted their efforts in galvanizing the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which played a significant role in restoring democracy in 1999. Motivated by their progressive stance, Tomori made a deliberate decision to join Asiwaju Tinubu's political family, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), despite it being in opposition at the time.
He emphasized, "I was motivated by the progressive bent of the party, coupled with the fact that its leading lights stood to be counted in the June 12 struggle when lily-livered politicians chickened out, while others bowed to the allure of filthy lucre, at the detriment of the nation." This party later evolved into one of the legacy parties that formed the ruling APC.
Experience and Campaign Vision
With over a decade of hands-on experience spanning both the National Assembly and the Executive, Tomori has worked with a Member of the House of Representatives and two ministers. He brings a robust network at the Federal level and valuable institutional memory to his campaign. He believes the time has come to answer the call of his people, stating, "I hereby formally declare my aspiration to contest for the House of Representatives, to represent the good people of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Lagos, under the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)."
Tomori's campaign is anchored on three core values: Service, Excellence, and Trust (SET), which form the theme of his SET Campaign, derived from the acronym of his name. His manifesto includes eight pillars, such as:
- Community Health Outreach
- Support for Women and Vulnerable Families
- Generation Next – Youth & Sports Talent Development
- Education & Schools Intervention Programme
- Light Up Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II
He emphasized the need for purposeful legislation to improve the welfare of constituents and contribute to national development, adding, "There is much work to be done through purposeful legislation, not only to improve the welfare of our constituents but also the lives of the average Nigerian, even as it contributes meaningfully to national development."
Commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda
Tomori expressed his commitment to bringing dynamism, fresh ideas, and a proven ability to build consensus and deliver results to the race. He aims to complement the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, concluding, "Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II is SET for better representation." This declaration marks a significant step in his political career, as he seeks to leverage his experience and values to serve his community effectively.
