APC aspirant withdraws from race
A leading aspirant in All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in Ondo State, Prince Akintayo Olokunboro, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 general election
A leading aspirant in All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in Ondo State, Prince Akintayo Olokunboro, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 general election race, declaring support for the party’s ‘consensus arrangement’ for the House of Representatives seat.
Olokunboro, who had earlier toured political wards across Akure North and Akure South local governments to mobilise support for his ambition, said his decision to back out of the race followed extensive consultations with party leaders, elders and stakeholders, and was aimed at preserving unity within the party ahead of its primaries.
He spoke yesterday in Akure after meeting with supporters and party leaders, noting that his withdrawal was necessary to align with the leadership’s direction and prevent internal discord.
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“I am not an APC member because we are in power in the state and the country; I am because it is in my DNA. It is my call to service,” he said.
The aspirant added that as a prince from Oba Ile and Igoba in Akure North, he felt a strong obligation to represent his people, noting that the area had yet to produce a representative at the House of Representatives since the current republic began.
Olokunboro also explained that his initial decision to join the House of Representatives race was driven by consultations, conviction, and a desire to contribute to the development of Akure, stressing that evolving political realities within the party necessitated a change in course.
“I strongly believed in my aspiration and what we set out to achieve for our people. But after due consultations, I have decided to respect the position of the leadership and support the consensus candidate,” he said.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and pledging continued support for its leadership at both the state and national levels, the APC aspirant stressed that his withdrawal was not due to a lack of capacity, but rather a deliberate move rooted in discipline, strength and respect for party cohesion.
Olokunboro disclosed that he consulted widely with prominent party elders, including Bisi Akande, Tajudeen Olusi and Mama Fayorinju as well as traditional rulers and members of the party’s elders’ forum, before arriving at his decision.
He said he was also inspired by the political philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that he remained committed to strengthening the party rather than creating division.
