Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have urged the party’s leadership at both state and national levels to avoid imposing candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a meeting held in Akure, the leaders stressed that anyone emerging from the primaries must be a loyal party member with strong grassroots support and a clear connection to the people.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, and signed by the group’s chairman, Tony Ala, alongside other party stakeholders, they called for a transparent and fair selection process. They warned that presenting unpopular candidates has, in the past, weakened the party’s chances at the polls.
The group also backed the idea that the next governor of Ondo State should come from Akure, noting that the state capital has yet to produce a governor since the state was created.
Part of the communiqué read that the leaders “firmly reject the imposition of automatic tickets” and insist that only credible, competent, and widely accepted aspirants should be chosen for elective positions.
For the National and State Assembly primaries, the leaders endorsed Oluwafemi Fadairo for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat, and Adeola Fynch for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akure South Constituency I. They said their endorsement was based on the candidates’ loyalty, grassroots appeal, and perceived ability to represent the people effectively.
The group also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, praising his inclusive leadership style and efforts to maintain unity within the party. They pledged continued support for his administration and also expressed readiness to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
They added that they would continue working with other stakeholders to strengthen the party’s position in the state and ensure victory in future elections.
For context, prominent Akure indigene Eyitayo Jegede had previously contested for the governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party in 2016 and 2020 but was unsuccessful. The leaders believe it is time for Akure to produce the state’s next governor.
