APC Stakeholders Back Akinola, Demand Power Shift To Ona-Ara Ahead Of 2027
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — STAKEHOLDERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State have endorsed Hon. Akinola Kazeem and called for a rotational shift in representation within the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made on Saturday during a well-attended APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ona-Ara, where party leaders and supporters stressed the need for unity, equity, and grassroots mobilisation to secure electoral victory.
Speaking at the meeting, Akinola described the gathering as a clear demonstration of the party’s strength and loyalty to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the large turnout reflected growing support for the APC in the constituency.
He emphasised the importance of integrity in leadership and adherence to zoning arrangements, arguing that fairness demands that Ona-Ara should produce the next federal representative.
“Egbeda has held the seat for many years, while Ona-Ara has only had two tenures. It is only fair and just that representation returns to Ona-Ara,” Akinola said.
Highlighting his track record, he listed several community-based interventions, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, youth and women empowerment programmes, and financial assistance to over 300 families to support children’s return to school.
“We have done a lot, but we are prepared to do more. We will not go there to repeat the same things; we will bring new ideas and better representation,” he added.
Akinola also urged party members to prioritise the success of the APC above personal ambitions, calling on supporters to return to their polling units and intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.
In his remarks, a former LCDA chairman from Egbeda, Hon. Adeyinka Adeyemi, supported the call for power rotation, stressing that equity must guide political representation in the constituency.
“Egbeda has spent close to 20 years in representation, while Ona-Ara has had about eight years. There should be fairness and an even distribution of political offices. That is why I support Ona-Ara producing the next candidate,” he said.
Adeyemi urged APC members in Ona-Ara to remain united and rally behind whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory at all levels in the 2027 elections.
He, however, noted that while the current representative has performed fairly, more efforts are needed, particularly in facilitating employment opportunities for constituents.
Also speaking, Hon. Lanre Adesina Saheed, coordinator for Akinola’s 2027 ambition, described the aspirant as a grassroots politician with a strong record of philanthropy and community service.
According to him, Akinola’s initiatives including borehole projects and free educational support such as JAMB forms and tutorials demonstrate his commitment to improving the welfare of the people even before holding elective office.
He added that growing support across both Egbeda and Ona-Ara indicates strong prospects for Akinola’s candidacy.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Ona-Ara LG APC Chairman, Prince Ogundipe, Hon. Biliaminu Ogundele, Hon. Wasiu Ogundipe, Hon. Bola Fawole, and Hon. Agbedo, among others.