Prominent political leaders and stakeholders in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have declared support for the candidature of Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye following his victory in the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primaries for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency.
In a joint statement signed by at least 24 APC elders and stakeholders drawn from the 18 wards of the local government area, the leaders described Ajakaye as credible and development-oriented, while urging party members and other aspirants to embrace sportsmanship in the aftermath of the primary election.
The signatories included Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi, Kwara State Commissioner for Housing Dr. Segun Ogunsola, Ifelodun Local Government Chairman Hon. Femi Yusuf, Chief MT Lawal, Elder Peter Daramola, Alhaji Adisa Adebayo, Engr. Simeon Adebayo Daramola, Architect Olukayode Abogunrin, and several other party leaders and stakeholders.
According to the statement, the leaders expressed confidence in Ajakaye's ability to provide quality representation if elected into the National Assembly. “We are confident that Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye will make us proud. We are proud of his pedigree as a gentleman and the former spokesman of the Governor who distinguished himself with hard work, respect for elders, and passion for development,” the statement read.
The stakeholders noted that while disagreements were natural in political contests, the outcome of the APC primary reflected the wishes of the majority of party members across the constituency. “We are not unaware of some misgivings. But this is hardly strange in any electoral contest where one candidate must emerge,” they stated.
“As leaders and stakeholders in Ifelodun, we are 100 per cent behind the candidature of our son. He is a proud son of our local government. One of us is better than none of us, and we urge his fellow aspirants and others who may have any grievance to kindly consider the overall interest of our local government and back him accordingly.”
The leaders also appreciated stakeholders and aspirants from the Ibolo axis of the constituency for what they described as overwhelming support and sportsmanship during the primary process. “We thank our brothers from Ibolo axis for their overwhelming support for Dr. Ajakaye. We are grateful for their sportsmanship, especially the aspirants from the axis who declared support for Dr. Ajakaye on the morning of the election. This is something that we duly noted for posterity,” the statement added.
Ajakaye previously served as spokesman to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and has remained active within the APC political structure in the state.
