In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, five aspirants seeking tickets to contest for the Oyo State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan South West Local Government have officially stepped down from their ambitions to declare total support for the aspiration of Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku for the House of Representatives seat representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency.
The aspirants described Ajanaku as the most suitable, experienced and generally accepted candidate capable of restoring the constituency’s mandate back to the APC after successive electoral losses.
The declaration was made on Thursday in Ibadan during a meeting attended by party faithful and stakeholders, where the aspirants unanimously resolved to align with the growing consensus within the party to support Ajanaku’s candidacy ahead of the APC
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Adepoju Popoola said the decision to sacrifice their individual ambitions was borne out of genuine concern for the future of the APC in the constituency and the need to present a candidate with proven grassroots acceptance, political experience and winning capacity.
According to him, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku has consistently demonstrated uncommon loyalty, commitment and dedication to the growth of the APC since the party’s formation, adding that his contributions to the development and sustenance of the party across the constituency remain immeasurable.
He noted that Ajanaku has over the years built strong relationships with party leaders, members and the electorate through humanitarian gestures, political mobilization and unwavering support for party activities.
“Ajanaku has paid more than the usual required dues to the party in Oyo State and particularly within Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency. His contributions and sacrifices are well known to party leaders and members alike,” Popoola stated.
“He is a grassroots political mobilizer who has touched countless lives without discrimination. He has done so much for the people of the constituency and this is the right time for the party to reward loyalty, experience and capacity by handing him the ticket to contest for the House of Representatives seat.”
The APC chieftain further argued that the party’s defeat in the last two elections within the constituency was largely due to the emergence of unpopular candidates, stressing that the party now has another opportunity to correct past mistakes by supporting Ajanaku.
He maintained that Ajanaku possesses the goodwill, humility, political influence and broad acceptance needed not only to win the House of Representatives seat but also to galvanize support for other APC candidates during the 2027 general elections.
“As it stands today, Ajanaku remains the only aspirant with the political strength, popularity and credibility to unite the party and attract massive support for APC candidates contesting for president, governor, senate and state assembly positions. He is undeniably the biggest political asset within the constituency,” he added.
In a jointly signed statement, the five aspirants said their decision to withdraw from the state assembly race was also aimed at strengthening the ongoing consensus-building arrangement being encouraged by the apex leadership of the APC in Ibadan South West Local Government.
The statement described Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, popularly known as the Asiwaju Odo-Oodua, as a household name whose years of political consistency and perseverance deserve recognition and support from party leaders and stakeholders.
The aspirants noted that after four previous attempts to secure the House of Representatives ticket, Ajanaku deserves another opportunity, insisting that he currently stands as the aspirant with the brightest chances of delivering victory for the APC at the polls.
They also expressed optimism that the APC leadership would appreciate and reward their rare display of loyalty, sacrifice and unity in the interest of the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
The statement was jointly signed by Hon. Adepoju Popoola, APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate in the last local government election; Hon. Bamidele Aliu; Hon. Moshood Olalekan Shiba, popularly known as Olore; Hon. Fadesire Kabir Adeyemi; and Hon. Babamide Isamosta Ashiru.
