By Our Correspondent

National News – Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State have endorsed lawmaker Jemili Akingbade for a fourth term in the Ogun State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the APC secretariat in Imeko-Afon, party leaders and members publicly reaffirmed their support for Akingbade following a consensus decision by the party leadership, citing the need for unity, fairness and continuity of grassroots development in the constituency.

Two aspirants, Olalotan Olusegun and Aliu Onsa, also withdrew from the race, stating that their decision was made in respect of party directives and to strengthen internal cohesion within the APC.

According to a communiqué issued by APC stakeholders in the Ketu Zone, Akingbade was described as a loyal grassroots mobiliser with strong community influence, competence and a record of development projects, making him the preferred consensus candidate for the constituency.

Party leaders further directed ward executives and supporters to mobilise for APC candidates, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and other party flag bearers, while reaffirming loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun and state party leadership.

Local APC chairman Adebolu Rahman praised the development, describing the withdrawals and endorsement as a demonstration of progressive leadership and commitment to political stability in Imeko-Afon ahead of the 2027 polls.

Observers say the consensus move strengthens APC’s electoral positioning in Ogun State as parties begin early realignments for the 2027 general elections, with emphasis on unity, zoning agreements and grassroots consolidation across local governments.

This development highlights ongoing political negotiations within the APC, where consensus candidacy and internal harmony are increasingly prioritised as strategic tools to secure legislative seats and maintain party dominance in Ogun State in Nigeria.