All Progressives Congress (APC) youth and women wings in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State have rejected the party leadership's move to adopt Hon. Jemili Akingbade as the consensus candidate for the 2027 State House of Assembly election. Akingbade has represented the constituency since 2015 and is seeking a fourth term.
Stakeholders' Meeting Communiqué
Rising from a stakeholders' meeting at the local government party secretariat, aggrieved members described the selection as undemocratic, divisive, and contrary to the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. They issued a communiqué opposing what they called "backdoor arrangements" and demanded a credible primary election.
Demands for Democratic Process
The groups insisted on a free, fair, and credible primary where all aspirants compete equally. They argued that the purported consensus candidate had not engaged relevant party structures, warning that democracy cannot thrive under imposition.
The communiqué partly read: "We strongly reject any attempt to impose Hon. Jemili Akingbade as a 'consensus candidate'... Such imposition is undemocratic, divisive, and contrary to both the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022."
Call for Inclusion and Transparency
The youths and women reaffirmed loyalty to the APC but appealed to state and national leadership to uphold democratic principles. They emphasised the need for inclusion of youth and women in decision-making and candidate selection processes.
Signatories include Hon. Ibrahim Muhydeen Atanda, Comrade Fayomi Yunus, Comrade Dende Atanda Akesaipon, Comrade Yusuf Toheeb, Ayoola Monsurat, Afolabi Sukurat, Ogunbiyi Nafisat, Comrade Waliu Fadipe, Ajaba Morufat, and Hon. Surakatu Saheed.
