By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Stakeholders across Afon town and other communities in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State have unanimously endorsed the member representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Jemili Adigun Akingbade, for another term, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was contained in a statement presented by the Secretary of Afon Youth Movement, Mr. Samuel Ogunrinola, on behalf of traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, artisans, market leaders, as well as political stakeholders drawn from over 750 villages and settlements within the constituency.

They said the decision was reached after what they described as “patience, calculation and strategic positioning” by leaders in the area, insisting that the era of “politics of whispers” had come to an end.

According to them, the endorsement was a bold and open declaration of support for continuity and stability in the constituency.

The statement noted that Akingbade’s previous electoral victories were products of credible democratic processes.

“At no point in his political journey has he been imposed on the people. His emergence has always been through the ballot box, reflecting the trust and confidence the electorate reposes in him,” the stakeholders stated.

They further argued that the lawmaker’s bid for a fourth term remained constitutionally valid and should be assessed based on performance and contributions to grassroots development rather than political sentiments.

Highlighting some of his achievements, the stakeholders cited his support for the creation of Afon Local Council Development Area, provision of boreholes, road projects, empowerment programmes and educational interventions across the constituency.

The group also commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for promoting consensus-building within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

They specifically referenced the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the APC governorship flag bearer, describing it as “a reflection of inclusiveness, political maturity and wisdom.”

Reacting to the endorsement, Hon. Akingbade expressed appreciation to the people of the constituency for the confidence reposed in him.

“I am excited today because our people are happy and they want the House of Assembly seat to remain in Isokan, particularly in the Afon axis,” he said.

“Leadership is not about oppressing the people but about delivering development and uplifting the community. I have always remained with my people, and we will continue to carry everybody along,” Akingbade added.

Also speaking, the Obaladi of Afon, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewanre, described the gathering as a historic demonstration of unity and collective resolve.

“Today’s gathering is glorious because our people came out en masse to affirm the consensus candidate chosen by leaders. He is well known to us and trusted by the entire community,” the monarch said.

Oba Adewanre also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly on the improvement in fuel supply across the country.

“There was a time people struggled endlessly at filling stations, but today fuel is available. Alhaji Jemili Akingbade remains our preferred candidate to represent Imeko-Afon in 2027,” the royal father added.

The stakeholders, however, assured Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Hon. Akingbade of their readiness to mobilise support and sustain unity across the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.