An All Progressives Congress candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbenga Abiola, has proposed a plan to install feedback boxes in traditional rulers' palaces in Agege as part of his campaign pledge. The initiative aims to make constituency representation more accessible ahead of the 2027 elections. Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu, believes this will allow residents to submit complaints, suggestions, and requests through Baales, who serve as a point of contact between community members and public authorities.
The proposed feedback boxes are part of Abiola's broader agenda for Agege Constituency I, focusing on service, impact, and people-focused representation. He emphasizes that elected representatives should maintain contact with residents beyond election campaigns, stating, "Representation must be about listening. We cannot claim to represent the people if we do not continuously hear from them." This initiative aims to build on the trust residents have in traditional institutions.
Abiola's proposal involves using Baales' palaces as accessible community institutions where residents can raise concerns, particularly those who struggle to reach political or government offices directly. The information gathered through the boxes will help identify recurring problems across communities and channel them to the appropriate authorities. However, details on how submissions would be monitored, response times, and mechanisms for compelling action on complaints remain unclear.
The APC candidate highlights the potential of traditional institutions to play a role beyond ceremonial functions, describing them as partners in community development and grassroots engagement. He notes that the palace is not far from the people and that the doors of Baales are open, with people already trusting these traditional institutions. The initiative aims to leverage this trust to transmit community concerns to elected representatives and relevant authorities.
Abiola's plan includes ensuring that residents can communicate their concerns to their representative without being disconnected from the process after elections. While he did not specify how frequently the boxes would be checked, who would review submissions, or how unresolved cases would be escalated, he emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with residents. The proposal comes as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiola is seeking election to represent Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly. His proposal has sparked interest among residents, who are eager to see how it will be implemented and its potential impact on community engagement. The initiative's success will depend on its ability to deliver accountability and tangible results, beyond providing another channel for receiving grievances.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, with various political actors vying for positions. Abiola's proposal is part of a broader effort to engage with residents and understand their concerns. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how this initiative will unfold and its potential to influence the outcome.
Key points
- - The proposed feedback boxes aim to enhance constituency representation by providing a direct channel for residents to submit complaints and suggestions. - The initiative leverages the trust residents have in traditional institutions, using Baales' palaces as accessible community institutions. - The success of the proposal will depend on its ability to deliver accountability and tangible results.
