By Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Lateef Ibrahim, Osogbo

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Babatunde Oralusi, has vowed to ensure functionality of local government for grassroots development if elected governor of the state.

The former governorship candidate of Action Alliance in the state who declared his intention to contest the governorship election under the APC at Ile-Ife, Thursday, expressed his commitment towards restoring full autonomy and functionality to local governments.

He said, “If every state in Nigeria had visionary, selfless, and innovative leaders, leaders who prioritise people over power, our nation would be a global success story.

“Development does not start from Abuja; it starts from the states and local governments. This is why I am deeply committed to restoring full autonomy and functionality to local governments, because that is where the people are, and where progress begins.

“Under my leadership, every local government will be a centre of development, enterprise, and opportunity. We will rebuild infrastructure, empower youth entrepreneurs, expand access to education, and leverage technology to create jobs and wealth for our people,” Oralusi said.

He stressed that the era where few individuals would be treating collective wealth as personal inheritance must end.

“The era where Osun’s common resources are held hostage by few must give way to a new dawn, a dawn of accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity. I am here to say boldly: Osun belongs to all of us. Our resources must serve the people, not the privileged few.

“We must reclaim our destiny and return governance to where it truly belongs to the citizens of Osun State. The time is now and no one would be left behind,” Oralusi said.

He said the 2026 governorship election will not be about political affiliation alone, saying “it will be about competence, credibility, and the capacity to deliver. Voters are now wiser, they are no longer swayed by slogans but by performance. And I say confidently: I am the most prepared, most innovative, and most competent candidate for this job.

“Osun deserves a leader who understands development economics, who has built institutions, attracted investments, and implemented impactful projects both at home and abroad. That is the leadership I bring, leadership that listens, leads, and delivers.

“In Osun, we must not lag this Renewed Hope vision. We must complement the President’s national reforms with state-level transformation turning Osun into a productive, modern, and prosperous state that contributes meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda,” Oralusi said.