OYO APM CANDIDATE PLEDGES TO COMPLETE IBADAN CIRCULAR ROAD DESPITE PERSONAL LOSS

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has promised to complete the long-delayed Ibadan Circular Road project if elected, saying his commitment to the development of the state remains firm despite personally losing land to the project.

Adekanmbi made the pledge while speaking about his plans for Oyo State, particularly the need to improve road infrastructure and expand connectivity across Ibadan and other parts of the state. He said the Circular Road remains an important project that could significantly improve transportation and stimulate economic activity when completed.

The APM candidate noted that the construction of major infrastructure projects can sometimes require residents and property owners to make difficult sacrifices. In his case, he said he had lost his own land as a result of the development, but maintained that the personal setback would not prevent him from supporting a project he considers important to the wider interest of Oyo residents.

Adekanmbi argued that the Ibadan Circular Road has the potential to transform movement around the state capital by providing an alternative route for motorists and reducing pressure on existing roads. He said completing the project would also open up new areas for commercial activities, housing development and other forms of investment.

According to the candidate, infrastructure development should be approached from a long-term perspective rather than being driven solely by immediate political considerations. He maintained that governments must be willing to undertake projects whose benefits could extend beyond a single administration.

The Circular Road project has remained one of the major infrastructure projects associated with Ibadan's development plans, with successive administrations taking steps towards its construction and completion. Its strategic importance is linked to the city's expanding population and the growing pressure on major roads within the metropolitan area.

Adekanmbi said his administration, if given the opportunity to govern Oyo State, would prioritise projects capable of producing measurable benefits for residents. He presented the completion of the Circular Road as part of a broader infrastructure agenda focused on improving transportation, stimulating economic activities and making movement within the state easier.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that public projects are implemented with proper planning and accountability. According to him, infrastructure investments should be designed to serve communities while also supporting businesses and creating opportunities for economic growth.

The governorship candidate's comments come as political parties and their candidates prepare for the forthcoming electoral contest in Oyo State. Infrastructure, economic development, employment and public services are expected to remain major issues as candidates present their respective programmes to voters.

Adekanmbi's pledge to complete the Circular Road is therefore being positioned as part of his wider campaign message on infrastructure and development. His reference to losing personal property to the project was also used to emphasise his claim that he was prepared to support decisions that serve what he described as the broader interests of the state.

He maintained that Oyo residents deserve infrastructure capable of matching the state's economic potential and population growth. For him, completing strategic road projects such as the Ibadan Circular Road would be an important step towards achieving that objective.

The APM candidate consequently urged voters to examine the development plans of all contenders carefully and consider candidates based on their ability to deliver infrastructure and other essential services.

With the Circular Road continuing to feature prominently in discussions about Ibadan's future transportation network, its eventual completion is likely to remain an important issue in Oyo State's political and development discourse.