Ekiti South Traders and Okada Riders’ Unions Pledge Unalloyed Support for Senator Yemi Adaramodu’s Re-election Bid
In a significant political development that underscores his grassroots appeal, the umbrella bodies of *traders and commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) in Ekiti South Senatorial District* have unanimously declared their total and unwavering support for the re-election of *Senator Yemi Adaramodu* to the National Assembly.
The declaration was made during a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting held in Ikere-Ekiti on Wednesday, where leaders of the various market associations and Okada unions across the six local government areas of Ekiti South formally endorsed the Senator, describing his first tenure as _“impactful, people-oriented, and unprecedented in legislative representation.”_
*Reasons for the Endorsement*
Speaking on behalf of the traders, *Chief Mrs. Folasade Ogunleye*, Iyaloja-General of Ekiti South, lauded Senator Adaramodu for his consistent interventions in market development, women empowerment, and facilitation of federal grants for small-scale businesses.
_“Senator Adaramodu is not a stranger to us. He knows our markets, he feels our pains, and he has matched his words with action. From the renovation of stalls to interest-free loans for our women, he has shown that he is truly our representative. For us, it is ‘one good term deserves another’,”_ she declared.
Similarly, *Comrade Tunde Adebayo*, Chairman of the Ekiti South Okada Riders’ Union, cited the Senator’s contributions to road rehabilitation, youth empowerment, and security interventions as reasons behind their collective stance.
_“Before now, many of our roads were death traps. Today, we can ride with ease because of his efforts. He has also trained many of our members in alternative skills and supported us during difficult times. We have resolved that our votes and our structures are for Senator Yemi Adaramodu 100%,”_ he affirmed.
*A Vote for Continuity and Effective Representation*
The unions noted that Senator Adaramodu’s tenure has been marked by accessibility, accountability, and legislative vibrancy. They highlighted his motions on agricultural development, educational infrastructure, and youth employment, stressing that continuity would enable him to consolidate on ongoing projects and attract more federal presence to Ekiti South.
_“We are not politicians, we are artisans and traders. We support who supports us. Senator Adaramodu has earned our trust through performance, not propaganda. We are mobilizing all our members across the markets and parks to ensure his victory,”_ the joint communiqué stated.
*Political Significance*
The endorsement by these two critical voting blocs—traders and Okada riders, who constitute a significant portion of the informal sector and grassroots electorate—is seen by political analysts as a major boost to Senator Adaramodu’s re-election campaign. Their organizational structure and mobilization capacity are expected to play a decisive role in the forthcoming senatorial election.
Reacting to the endorsement, an aide to Senator Adaramodu expressed gratitude to the unions, assuring them that the Senator remains committed to _“inclusive representation that prioritizes the welfare of the ordinary people who are the backbone of our economy.”_
The event ended with solidarity songs and a unanimous voice vote, as members chanted _“Adaramodu Leekansi”_—Adaramodu for another term.
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*Key Highlights of the Declaration:*
– *Who:* Ekiti South Traders Associations & Okada Riders’ Union
– *What:* Declared total support for Senator Yemi Adaramodu’s re-election
– *Why:* Cited road projects, market development, empowerment, accessibility
– *Impact: Major grassroots boost ahead of senatorial election
COMRADE IDOWU AFUYE, CEO, ISAPOL CONSULTANCY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION FIRM.
