By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The immediate past Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adijat Adeleye, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeleye, who also picked up her nomination and expression of interest forms, pledged to provide quality representation capable of accelerating social and infrastructural development across Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas.

The former two-term member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, who represented Ifo Constituency II between 2011 and 2019, was adopted during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ibara GRA residence of Chief Joju Fadairo in Abeokuta.

Stakeholders at the meeting said the consensus arrangement was aimed at strengthening unity within the party, promoting cohesion and ensuring equitable representation across the constituency.

Among party leaders present at the meeting were former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo; member representing Ifo II State Constituency, Hon. Folawewo Fatiu Salami; former members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dele Obadina and Hon. Adeyemi Adekunle; as well as Chief Derin Adebiyi.

The Ewekoro delegation was led by a former member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Apex Leadership in the council, Engr. Shina Adegbenro.

Other APC chieftains from Ewekoro in attendance included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat; Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Israel Jolaoso; member representing Ewekoro State Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Amosun; and Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Adeshina.

Speaking shortly after her adoption, Adeleye expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and Governor Dapo Abiodun for what she described as their commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and unity within the APC.

She said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the leadership and stakeholders of our great party. This decision reflects our collective resolve to move the constituency forward in unity and progress.”

Describing Governor Abiodun as “a father, mentor and leader,” Adeleye noted that his commitment to equity and inclusive leadership had continued to inspire party members across the state.

She also commended other aspirants and party leaders, including the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka; Asiwaju Lateef Adesina; Bashorun Olaniran Olalekan; and Ademola Evans, for placing party unity above personal ambition.

According to her, “The process that produced this consensus candidacy was driven by the need to protect the collective interest of the party and ensure stability within the constituency.”

Adeleye, however, urged APC members and supporters across Ifo and Ewekoro to sustain the spirit of cooperation and solidarity as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 elections.

“I remain committed to inclusive, people-oriented representation that will reflect the aspirations of our people and bring development closer to the grassroots,” she added.