As the 2027 electoral cycle gradually comes into focus, conversations within the All Progressives Congress are taking on a more strategic tone, particularly around the type of candidates capable of strengthening the party’s national direction. In Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency, one name that continues to resonate is Hon. Adebola Shakirat Adetunji, widely known as ASHAD, whose growing profile is drawing attention for reasons that go beyond routine political ambition.
According to political communicator Inaolaji Akinloye Adisa, FCIFC, who writes from the standpoint of a spokesperson deeply familiar with her interventions, ASHAD’s emergence reflects a pattern that is not always common in Nigeria’s political space. Rather than building relevance solely through public office, she has established visibility through sustained grassroots engagement and direct intervention in the lives of ordinary citizens. Over the years, she has remained present within communities, supporting small businesses, assisting vulnerable residents, and building relationships that extend beyond electoral seasons, a consistency that has helped to build trust and familiarity among constituents.
During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 2006, Hon. Adebola Shakirat Adetunji (ASHAD) served at the Oyo State House of Assembly, where she was exposed early to legislative processes and public administration. Her time there is often referenced as the foundation of her public service journey, as she actively engaged in administrative duties, supported institutional coordination, and developed a practical understanding of governance at the state level. That early experience, according to accounts from her camp, played a strong role in shaping her commitment to grassroots service and long-term involvement in community development.
There is also a broader national context that gives added weight to this conversation. At a time when the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to emphasise inclusive governance and citizen focused development, expectations are rising that party candidates at all levels should reflect similar values. In this regard, ASHAD’s record is often cited by supporters as aligning with this direction, particularly in her focus on practical interventions that respond to immediate needs within communities.
Her involvement in economic empowerment stands out as one of the defining elements of her engagement. By providing financial support and tools to hundreds of youths and women, she has contributed to local economic stability in a period marked by widespread financial pressure. Many beneficiaries have been able to establish or sustain small businesses, reinforcing her reputation as someone who prioritises measurable impact.
Beyond economic support, her contributions to education and healthcare continue to shape public perception. Through initiatives that have enabled students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education and medical interventions that have supported individuals who could not afford treatment, she has addressed areas that directly affect the wellbeing of families. These efforts, though often understated, carry lasting significance in communities where such opportunities are limited.
Her footprint in community development is also evident through the provision of basic infrastructure such as boreholes and solar street lighting, projects that respond directly to everyday challenges faced by residents. Access to clean water and improved security remain critical concerns, and addressing them has further strengthened her standing among the people.
As her profile continues to rise, political reactions have naturally followed, which is typical in a competitive environment. However, within the constituency, the conversation appears to be shaped more by verifiable impact than by political rhetoric. Many stakeholders are increasingly focused on identifying individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the people through action.
For the APC, the decision ahead carries both local and national implications. Electoral success in constituencies like Ibadan North East and South East will depend not only on party strength but also on the credibility and acceptance of its candidates. The ability to connect national policy direction with tangible grassroots impact is becoming an essential factor in determining electability.
In the view expressed by Inaolaji Akinloye Adisa, ASHAD’s growing relevance underscores a broader consideration for the party, that candidates with established records of service and genuine grassroots connection are increasingly valuable in projecting a message of responsive and people oriented leadership as the 2027 elections approach.
