By Our Correspondent
National News – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Ademola Okeowo, has withdrawn from the 2027 race for the Ijebu North Constituency I seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly and endorsed the party’s consensus candidate, Olatunbosun Ipaye, ahead of the APC primary election in Ijebu Igbo.
Okeowo announced his decision on Tuesday while addressing party members and supporters at the APC secretariat in Ijebu North Local Government.
The lawyer explained that his decision followed consultations with party leaders, elders, and stakeholders who urged aspirants to support the party’s consensus arrangement for unity and stability.
The former aspirant said he joined the assembly race because of his commitment to service, integrity, competence, and development for the people of Ijebu North Constituency I.
According to him, the support he received across communities and wards showed that many residents believed in his leadership vision and political capacity.
Okeowo stated that stepping down was not out of fear or weakness but in the interest of party unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
He added that many supporters and political associates considered him qualified and capable of winning the election if he had continued in the contest.
He also announced the collapse of his political structure into that of the APC consensus candidate, Olatunbosun Ipaye.
Okeowo urged his supporters, youth groups, women leaders, coordinators, and party loyalists to mobilise support for the APC during the coming elections.
Speaking during the meeting, APC Vice Chairman in Ijebu North Local Government, Alhaji Adesegun Adenola, praised Okeowo for respecting the party’s decision and supporting the consensus arrangement.
Adenola disclosed that about 14 aspirants initially showed interest in contesting for the assembly seat before the number was reduced to four.
He noted that two aspirants, including Okeowo, had stepped down, while expectations remained that another aspirant would also support the party’s chosen candidate before the primary election.
