By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ketu Zone, Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State, have unanimously endorsed Hon. Jemili Akingbade Adigun as the party’s consensus candidate for the Imeko-Afon State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached on Friday at a strategic meeting held at St. Patrick College, Imeko, where party chieftains said the move was aimed at fostering unity and positioning the party for victory across the constituency and the state.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the leaders noted that the endorsement was in line with the directives of the state leadership of the party and reflected the collective will of the APC members in the zone.

Earlier, two aspirants, Hon. Olalotan Olusegun and Hon. Aliu Onsa, announced their withdrawal from the race, citing the need to respect the consensus arrangement adopted by the party’s apex leadership.

Olusegun, a former APC Chairman in the Council area, said their decision to step down was borne out of loyalty to the party.

“As committed party members, we have resolved to abide by the decision of our leaders. The unity and progress of the APC must come first,” he said.

Similarly, Onsa said his withdrawal was in deference to the directive of party leaders, stressing that the move would strengthen the party’s progressive front ahead of the polls.

“This is about the larger interest of the party. We must consolidate our strength to secure victory in 2027,” he stated.

Speaking, the APC Chairman in Imeko-Afon local government, Adebolu Rahman, commended the aspirants for their sacrifices, describing their action as a demonstration of maturity and commitment to the growth of the party.

The leaders also pledged support for the continuity agenda in the state and declared their readiness to mobilise massively for the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi).

The communique read in part, “We, the leaders, elders, and stakeholders of the APC in Ketu Zone, comprising Imeko, Okeagbede Moriwi, Ilara, Iwoye, Idofo, and Kajola Agberiodo wards, met in to deliberate on party unity and strategies for victory in the 2027 general elections.

“After exhaustive deliberations and in deference to the directive of our apex leaders on consensus building, we unanimously adopt Hon. Jemili Akingbade Adigun as the consensus candidate for the Imeko-Afon State Constituency seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

“This decision is binding on all party members in the zone. It is taken in the overall interest of unity, progress and electoral success of our party.

“We therefore direct all ward chairmen, executives, youth and women leaders, as well as party faithful, to align with this resolution and commence full mobilisation for Hon. Akingbade and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We reaffirm our loyalty to the leadership of the party under Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and pledge to deploy all our structures to ensure victory at all levels.”

The communique added that the resolution was adopted without dissent, expressing confidence that Akingbade would provide quality representation and further strengthen the APC’s foothold in the constituency.

They also declared their support for member, House of Representatives representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka’s continuity.