By Adeola Badru

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State have called for rotational representation in the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, while endorsing Akinola Kazeem as their preferred candidate.

The position was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ona-Ara, where party leaders and supporters emphasised unity, fairness, and stronger grassroots mobilisation as key to improving the party’s electoral chances.

Speaking at the gathering, Akinola described the meeting as a sign of the APC’s growing strength in the constituency, reaffirming loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He argued that political equity demands that Ona-Ara should produce the next representative for the federal constituency, noting that Egbeda has held the seat for a longer period.

Akinola highlighted his community development efforts, including solar-powered street lighting projects, empowerment programmes for women and youths, and financial assistance to families to support children’s education. He pledged more inclusive representation if elected.

He also urged party members to prioritise collective success and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.

A former Egbeda Local Council Development Area chairman, Adeyinka Adeyemi, supported the call for rotational leadership, stressing that fairness should guide political arrangements in the constituency.

Adeyemi noted the disparity in representation between the two local government areas and urged APC members to remain united while expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027.

Also speaking, Lanre Adesina Saheed, coordinator of Akinola’s 2027 ambition, described him as a grassroots politician with a strong record of community service, citing borehole projects and educational support initiatives.

He said growing support across Egbeda and Ona-Ara indicates positive momentum for Akinola’s prospective candidacy.