By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara have rejected reports that Ms Florence Oyeyemi has been nominated as the party’s House of Representatives candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders, under the aegis of Concerned APC Stakeholders in the constituency, said the ticket should be given to a bona fide indigene of the Ekiti bloc.
The group made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Coordinator, Mr Bayode Dada.
Dada alleged that the reported decision to replace the incumbent lawmaker, Rep. Tunji Olawuyi, popularly known as Ajuloopin, with Oyeyemi was unacceptable and could undermine the interests of the constituency.
He said although many party members had accepted that Olawuyi should no longer fly the party’s flag, replacing him with someone he described as a non-indigene was unacceptable.
According to him, the development could create disaffection within the party and weaken its chances in the 2027 elections.
“All we need now is Ekiti for Ekiti and not an Ijebu woman from Ogun State to take our slot.
“We cannot afford to toy with our destiny by placing it in the hands of a stranger,” he said.
Dada alleged that Oyeyemi was not an indigene of either Oke-Ero Local Government Area or Kwara, claiming that she hails from Ijebu in Ogun.
He argued that the constituency deserved a representative who understood its history, challenges and development priorities.
“The people deserve a representative who shares their history, understands their struggles and has deep roots in the constituency.
“Leadership is not just about political appointment; it is also about identity, trust and genuine connection with the people,” he said.
He warned that imposing ‘an outsider’ could provoke internal resistance within the APC and create opportunities for opposition parties.
Dada urged the national and state leadership of the APC to ensure that the party’s candidate emerged through a transparent process that reflected the wishes of party members and respected the party’s internal processes.
He also said sidelining qualified aspirants who were bona fide indigenes of the constituency could deepen divisions within the party.
According to him, the people of Oke-Ero have experienced years of perceived political marginalisation and deserve a candidate from the area.
“We need an original son or daughter of Oke-Ero to replace Ajuloopin, not someone from Ijebu in Ogun State.
“The people deserve representation that reflects their identity and protects their interests,” he said.
Dada added that issues of zoning, local identity and grassroots acceptance had historically influenced electoral outcomes, noting that unresolved disputes over candidate selection often affected party cohesion.
As of the time of filing this report, Oyeyemi and the Kwara APC leadership had yet to respond to the allegations contained in the statement. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade