Youth and women stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imeko-Afon Local Government have rejected what they described as an attempt to impose Hon. Jemili Akingbade as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 Ogun State House of Assembly elections.
This was disclosed in a communiqué jointly signed by key stakeholders, including Hon. Ibrahim Muhydeen Atanda, Comrade Fayomi Yunus, Comrade Dende Atanda, Comrade Yusuf Toheeb, Ayoola Monsurat, Afolabi Sukurat, Ogunbiyi Nafisat, Comrade Waliu Fadipe, Ajaba Morufat, and Hon. Surakatu Saheed.
They warned that any move to impose a candidate would be “undemocratic, divisive, and contrary” to the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
The stakeholders insisted on the conduct of a free, fair, and credible primary election, noting that all aspirants must be given a level playing field to test their popularity among party members.
They also called on the party leadership at both the state and national levels to uphold democratic principles and ensure that candidates emerge through transparent processes rather than “backdoor arrangements.””
According to the communiqué, several aspirants have already declared their intentions and enjoy grassroots support, while the alleged consensus candidate has not adequately engaged with party structures in the constituency.
The group further urged stakeholders to promote unity within the party, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness, particularly for youths and women, in decision-making and candidate selection processes.
“Democracy cannot thrive where imposition prevails. The future of Imeko-Afon Constituency is too important to be decided without the active participation of its people,” the communiqué stated.
