By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The youth and women wings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State, have kicked against the alleged imposition of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, as the consensus candidate for the Imeko-Afon State Constituency.

Akingbade, who has represented the constituency since 2015, is reportedly seeking a fourth term in office.

The development is coming on the heels of the recent unanimous endorsement of the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola as the APC consensus governorship candidate, a move that has triggered similar arrangements across some local governments and constituencies, sparking controversy within party ranks.

However, rising from a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the party’s local government secretariat in Imeko, the aggrieved youths and women described the move as undemocratic, divisive and inconsistent with the provisions of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the groups rejected what they termed “backdoor arrangements” that produced Akingbade and called for a credible primary election that would allow all aspirants to participate.

They argued that the lawmaker had not properly engaged relevant party structures before being presented as a consensus candidate.

“Democracy cannot thrive where imposition prevails,” the stakeholders declared.

The communique read in part: “We strongly reject any attempt to impose Hon. Jemili Akingbade as a ‘consensus candidate’ for the Imeko-Afon State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 House of Assembly elections. Such imposition is undemocratic, divisive, and contrary to both the APC Constitution and Electoral Act 2022.

“We insist on a free, fair and credible primary election in which all aspirants are given a level playing field. The strength and legitimacy of our democracy depend on the credibility of its processes and outcomes.

“We call on the party leadership at the state and national levels to uphold democratic principles and allow the will of party members and the electorate to prevail. Imeko-Afon deserves a candidate who is tested, trusted, and rooted in the grassroots; one who emerges through popular support, not imposition.

“We firmly oppose any backdoor arrangements that seek to undermine the collective will of party members. We note that several competent aspirants have formally declared their intentions and enjoy widespread grassroots support. The purported ‘consensus candidate’ has not formally engaged with relevant party structures.

“We urge all stakeholders to work towards a united APC in Imeko-Afon, anchored on equity, justice and due process. We also emphasize the need for meaningful inclusion of youth and women in all decision-making and candidate selection processes.”

Reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders stressed that the future of the Imeko-Afon State Constituency should not be determined without the active participation of its people.

“We stand firmly for transparency, fairness, and the power of the ballot over backroom decisions,” they added.

Signatories to the communique include Hon. Ibrahim Muhydeen Atanda, Comrade Fayomi Yunus, Comrade Dende Atanda Akesaipon, Comrade Yusuf Toheeb, Ayoola Monsurat, Afolabi Sukurat, Ogunbiyi Nafisat, Comrade Waliu Fadipe, Ajaba Morufat and Hon. Surakatu Saheed.