Ekiti Aspirants Urge APC Leadership for House of Representatives Candidates
A coalition of aspirants and stakeholders from the Ekiti Block, representing the Irepodun, Isin, and Oke-Ero federal constituencies in Kwara State, has formally urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to enable them to nominate candidates for House of Representatives seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, operating under the banner of the Concerned Aspirants and Stakeholders Group, has emphasized that their request is rooted in principles of justice and equity. They assert that, since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the Ekiti Block has yet to produce a representative in the National Assembly.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, and the Kwara State chapter of the party, the stakeholders expressed concern over recent political moves that appear to sideline their bloc. They highlighted the importance of an unwritten rotational arrangement that should ideally govern candidacy in the constituency.
The constituency comprises four local government areas: Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke-Ero, and is traditionally divided into two political factions—the Igbomina Block, which includes the LGAs of Irepodun and Isin, and the Ekiti Block, encompassing Ekiti and Oke-Ero.
Stakeholders have noted that since 1999, all House of Representatives seats have been filled exclusively by individuals from the Igbomina Block, leaving the Ekiti Block politically marginalized for nearly 27 years. They listed past representatives, including Bola Oni Bashir and Gbenga Peter Makanjuola, to exemplify this imbalance.
The coalition argues that this dominant representation by one bloc contradicts the inclusive principles frequently advocated by the APC. Drawing inspiration from President Tinubu’s well-known “Emi Lokan” declaration during the 2023 presidential election campaign, the stakeholders proclaimed “Our Lokan,” affirming their belief that it is now the Ekiti Block’s turn to select its next representative.
Officials within the group voiced their alarm over a purported “solidarity list” supporting incumbent lawmaker Abdulraheem Olawi, hinting at a potential attempt by special interests to enforce a predetermined outcome for the party’s nomination. They believe this undermines the implicit rotation system and contradicts the principles that the party stands for.
The aspirants have warned that failing to address these concerns could incite discontent among party supporters, jeopardizing the APC’s electoral prospects in the constituency. They reported that numerous supporters have threatened to engage in a protest vote should the alleged agreement persist.
Recognizing the pivotal role the Ekiti Block has played in bolstering the APC’s electoral successes in Kwara State over the years, the stakeholders have made an impassioned appeal for the party’s leadership to reconsider any arrangements that might violate the spirit of political inclusion and fairness. They clarify that their request is not a rebellion against the APC but rather a call for political justice and equity within the framework of the party’s long-standing values.
