A political group supporting Governor Dapo Abiodun’s alleged Ogun East Senatorial ambition has defended him against criticisms surrounding his lack of ranking status in the Senate, insisting that legislative effectiveness is not determined by years spent in office.
The group, Sustainability Of Ogun State And Dapo Abiodun Legacy Beyond 2027, made its position known in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Dr Arabambi Abayomi.
According to the group, claims that Ogun East needs only a ranking senator to attract meaningful development are misleading, stressing that lawmakers should instead be judged by their performance and impact on the people.
The statement accused some political actors of pushing the narrative that only long-serving senators can effectively represent the district, describing such arguments as outdated and deceptive.
The group challenged both serving and former lawmakers from Ogun East to publicly account for projects executed with constituency funds over the years.
“They say Ogun East needs a senator who has stayed long enough to become ranking. They talk as if spending years in office automatically translates into development,” the statement said.
“Over the years, huge constituency allocations have been received. The people deserve to know what tangible projects were delivered with those funds.”
To strengthen its argument, the group pointed to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong as an example of a first-term lawmaker who has recorded notable achievements within a short period in office.
According to the statement, Ekpenyong sponsored bills, facilitated road projects, installed solar-powered streetlights and implemented empowerment initiatives without waiting to attain ranking status in the Senate.
The group maintained that effective representation depends on commitment and leadership rather than years spent occupying a legislative seat.
It also defended Abiodun’s political experience, noting that his background as a two-term governor and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum gives him the administrative exposure and political network needed to perform effectively in the National Assembly.
“A two-term governor is not a political novice. He has managed public resources, delivered infrastructure and built national relationships. The Senate is not a place for bench warmers,” the statement added.
The group further dismissed reports alleging that the governor failed to submit certain nomination documents for the senatorial race, describing the claims as politically motivated and premature.
It maintained that the nomination process was still ongoing and that no official disqualification notice had been issued against the governor.
“The people of Ogun State are more concerned about results and development than propaganda or technical distractions,” the statement concluded.
