2027: Stakeholders warn against imposition in Ondo’s Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo constituency
Growing opposition has continued to trail alleged moves to impose a candidate on the plaform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 election, as party stakeholders insist that the House of Representatives seat should not be treated as a political compensation package.
Growing opposition has continued to trail alleged moves to impose a candidate on the plaform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 election, as party stakeholders insist that the House of Representatives seat should not be treated as a political compensation package.
The controversy followed reports that Hon. Mathew Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, who had previously pursued the Ondo South Senatorial ticket, is now being considered for the House of Representatives race after failing to secure momentum for the Senate bid.
However, prominent APC stakeholders across Odigbo, Ile-Oluji and Oke-Igbo led by Famakinwa Gbolahan and youth leader, Akinlaja Oluwaseun, have rejected the development.
They warned that any attempt to impose a candidate under the guise of consensus could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its chances in the general election.
BusinessDay reports that the APC has fixed Friday for House of Representatives primaries.
The stakeholders in Odigbo in a statement said the constituency deserves a representative with genuine commitment and long-standing engagement with the people rather than “last-minute political redeployment.”
Jackson Lekan Ojo, a poiticall analyst, also warned against elite-driven arrangements, stressing that democratic processes must be respected to preserve party unity and credibility.
“The APC must be careful not to create avoidable crises through imposition. Consensus should come through broad consultation and acceptance by party members, not through pressure from powerful interests. Delegates and stakeholders must be allowed to make their choices freely, ”he said.
Meanwhile, support has continued to grow for Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, whose campaign many party faithful described as grassroots-driven and consultative.
The stakeholders said her engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders, ward executives and community influencers across the constituency had strengthened confidence in her candidacy.
Observers noted that her aspiration has resonated strongly with women and young voters who see her as a credible and accessible alternative with both competence and national exposure.
As political activities intensify ahead of the primaries, party members across the constituency are urging delegates to resist external pressure and support candidates based on competence, accessibility, preparedness and commitment to the development of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
