Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has dismissed speculations that the Ogun Central Senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been ceded to former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, insisting that the ticket remains firmly in his possession.
The lawmaker, who currently represents Ogun Central in the Senate, made the assertion on Monday while featuring on Oju Abe, a radio programme broadcast on Splash FM 106.7, Abeokuta. He declared that the ticket was ‘tightly in my pocket’ and ‘unconditionally, undisputedly in my kitty’.
He also expressed confidence that he would return to the National Assembly to represent the district in the 2027 general elections.
Highlighting his achievements over the past three and a half years in the Senate, Salisu said Ogun Central had witnessed an unprecedented level of legislative accomplishments and constituency development.
He attributed his confidence in securing another term to his performance in office, saying he has remained focused on delivering quality representation through impactful legislation, human capital development, digital transformation, infrastructure renewal, healthcare interventions and community empowerment.
According to him, the overwhelming support he continues to receive from constituents and stakeholders reflects the visible dividends of democracy delivered across Ogun Central Senatorial District.
Speaking on his legislative achievements, Salisu highlighted the National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme Bill, which has passed second reading in the Senate, and the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, which has passed first reading. He also recalled sponsoring motions seeking the suspension of the proposed sale of Lafarge Cement Plc to foreign investors and another calling for an end to illegal market raids by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
On education and digital empowerment, the senator said his office has consistently invested in young people through the annual sponsorship of more than 1,000 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates, the distribution of educational materials and digital skills training programmes with laptop support for youths, artisans, teachers, women, graduates and undergraduates.
He also listed the commissioning of a 250-capacity ICT Centre at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the establishment of a new ICT centre at the Federal University of Medical Sciences, and the provision of ICT facilities and equipment to several secondary schools across Ogun Central as part of efforts to prepare the district for the digital economy.
Salisu further highlighted his healthcare and social intervention programmes, including medical outreaches conducted in collaboration with Shalom Global Medical Mission, the facilitation of Federal Government intervention programmes, including the ?50,000 cash grant for eligible beneficiaries, and the annual distribution of palliatives during Eid-el-Kabir and Christmas celebrations.
He also emphasised his commitment to women’s empowerment through the Okowo Salisu Empowerment Programme, which he said has supported hundreds of market women with financial assistance, digital skills training, laptops and business support.
On infrastructure development, the senator pointed to the rehabilitation of the Camp-FUNAAB-Alabata Road, the construction of the Akomoje-Mawuko-Opeji Road, the installation of transformers in Isabo CDA and Fijabi CDA, and the construction of motorised solar-powered boreholes in Olomore Market, Onikolobo, Ekerin Village, Okungbolu Village and Temidire Junction.
He also highlighted the impact of the Imole OMOYAYI Solar Streetlight Initiative, under which hundreds of solar-powered streetlights have been installed across communities in Ogun Central, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat, General Hospital, Ijaye, Oba Odeleye Park, and several towns in Abeokuta, Ifo, Odeda, Agbado, Itori, Ibafo and adjoining communities.
The senator disclosed that numerous qualified constituents had also secured employment opportunities through his intervention, although he declined to reveal their identities.
While thanking the leadership of the APC in Ogun State and Ogun Central Senatorial District for its confidence and support, Salisu urged residents to remain united and shun divisive politics.
Reflecting on his political journey, he said he has remained a committed progressive since 2007, recalling that he first contested under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He described himself as a grassroots politician whose humble upbringing in Abeokuta continues to shape his commitment to public service.
‘I was born and raised here in Abeokuta. People know my humble beginnings. My father was a transporter known for his integrity, and I have remained consistent in progressive politics from the ACN days to the APC. My commitment has always been to serve the people,’ he said.
Salisu also commended the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), describing him as an experienced and committed progressive leader capable of sustaining Ogun State’s developmental trajectory.
He equally praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as purposeful leadership and developmental strides across Ogun State, expressing confidence that the APC would remain united and victorious in the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Ogun Central, Salisu pledged to continue pursuing people-oriented legislation and developmental initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of his constituents.