Kwara APC Group Rejects Olasumbo Oyeyemi, Insists Reps Ticket Must Go to Genuine Ekiti Bloc Indigene

A wave of discontent has continue to pervade the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State, as a prominent party group has strongly rejected the reported nomination of Miss Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives ahead of 2027 general elections.

The group demanded that the candidate for the constituency should go to an indigene of Ekiti bloc and not Olasumbo who hailed from Ijebu in Ogun State.

The group, under the aegis of concerned APC stakeholders in the constituency, described the development as a betrayal of the aspirations of party faithful and constituents, insisting that Olasumbo does not represent the interests or identity of the people she is expected to serve.

Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ilorin, the group’s coordinator, Hon Bayode Dada said the alleged decision to replace Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, popularly known as Ajuloopin, with Oyeyemi was unacceptable and capable of jeopardising the demand of Ekiti bloc for the House of Representatives seat.

He said that such a replacement of Ajuloopin was capable of destabilising the party ahead of the general elections, while calling for an urgent change of Olasumbo’s name to a bonafide son of Ekiti bloc.

According to Dada, while many members had accepted the decision that Ajuloopin should no longer fly the party’s flag, replacing him with someone they described as a non-indigene was a move that could trigger widespread dissatisfaction within the APC.

“All we need now is Ekiti for Ekiti and not an Ijebu woman from Ogun state to take our slot, we can’t afford to toy with our destiny by placing it in the hands of a stranger,” he said.

He alleged that Oyeyemi is not an indigene of either Oke-Ero Local Government Area or Kwara State, claiming instead that she hails from Ijebu in Ogun State.

He argued that such a background makes it difficult for her to understand the peculiar challenges, aspirations and developmental needs of the federal constituency.

“The people deserve a representative who shares their history, understands their struggles and has deep roots in the constituency.

“Leadership is not just about political appointment; it is also about identity, trust and genuine connection with the people,” Adewara stated.

He warned that imposing what he described as an outsider on the constituency could provoke internal resistance within the APC and weaken the party’s electoral strength, thereby creating an opportunity for opposition parties to capitalise on the growing discontent.

“We appreciate the fact that Ajuloopin is no longer in the race because many believed retaining him could have negatively affected our chances at the polls.

“However, replacing him with Olasumbo is equally unacceptable because she does not represent what the people want,” he said.

The coordinator urged the national and state leadership of the APC to retrace their steps and ensure that the party’s candidate emerges through a transparent process that respects both the outcome of the primaries and the wishes of party members in the constituency.

He further argued that any attempt to sideline qualified aspirants who are bona fide indigenes of the constituency could deepen existing divisions within the party and erode the confidence of loyal supporters.

Describing the reported nomination as insensitive, Dada maintained that the people of Oke-Ero had endured years of perceived political marginalisation and should not be subjected to what he termed another act of political imposition.

“We need an original son or daughter of Oke-Ero to replace Ajuloopin, not someone from Ijebu in Ogun State.

“The people deserve representation that reflects their identity and protects their interests,” he added.

He noted that questions of zoning, local identity and grassroots acceptance have historically played significant roles in determining electoral outcomes in many parts of Nigeria.

He said, Candidates perceived as lacking local legitimacy often face resistance from party structures and the electorate, regardless of their political credentials.

He said that internal disagreements over candidate selection remain one of the leading causes of defections and electoral setbacks for political parties in Nigeria.

According to him, Several elections have demonstrated that unresolved disputes arising from party primaries and nominations frequently weaken campaign cohesion and benefit opposition parties.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Miss Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi nor the leadership of the APC in Kwara State had issued an official response to the allegations and demands contained in the statement.

The controversy is expected to intensify discussions within the party over fairness, inclusiveness and the importance of local representation as political realignments continue within the constituency.