The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Lagos West Senatorial District, Owolabi Bello, has launched his campaign with a grassroots-focused approach centred on door-to-door consultations and engagement with young people.
Bello formally commenced the campaign on Thursday at his Lagos West Senatorial District campaign office in Lagos.
He said the strategy was designed to give residents an opportunity to directly communicate their concerns, expectations and priorities, rather than relying mainly on traditional campaign rallies.
“Our campaign is about the people, and we must first listen to them before presenting our plans,” Bello said.
Bello takes campaign to Lagos communities
The ADC candidate said the door-to-door consultations would enable him to interact directly with residents and gain a clearer understanding of the challenges confronting communities across the senatorial district.
He said the campaign would take its message to the grassroots while also creating opportunities for constituents to explain what they want from their elected representative.
According to Bello, direct engagement would form an important part of his approach to representing Lagos West.
Youth empowerment central to campaign
Bello identified youth engagement as another major component of his campaign, noting that young people make up a substantial portion of the electorate.
He argued that youths should be treated not simply as voters but as important stakeholders in governance and decision-making.
“The youths are not merely voters; they are stakeholders and future leaders who deserve opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance,” he said.
The candidate pledged to focus on employment, skills acquisition, education, entrepreneurship and access to opportunities if elected.
He said his administration would pursue practical initiatives aimed at helping young people develop sustainable livelihoods and become economically productive.
Candidate calls for issue-based election
Bello also urged Lagos West residents to participate actively in the electoral process and carefully assess candidates based on their character, competence, previous record and policy proposals.
He said elections should focus on ideas and accountability rather than intimidation, violence or unfulfilled promises.
The ADC candidate appealed to his supporters to maintain peaceful conduct throughout the campaign and respect members and supporters of rival political parties.
“We must disagree politically without becoming enemies; our democracy will only thrive when campaigns are conducted with civility and mutual respect,” he said.
Bello promises continuous consultation
Bello assured constituents that his engagement with them would continue beyond the campaign if he wins the election.
He pledged to maintain regular consultations and establish channels through which residents could provide feedback and demand accountability.
“Representation should not end after election; the people must have access to their representative and be able to demand accountability,” he said.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth associations and other stakeholders across Lagos West to support issue-based politics and efforts to improve representation.
Bello said his ultimate objective was to build a broad-based political movement focused on the development and interests of Lagos West rather than personal or partisan interests.
