Ona-Ara APC stakeholders demand Reps ticket
Stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency have intensified calls for equitable representation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging party leaders to cede the House of
Stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency have intensified calls for equitable representation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging party leaders to cede the House of Representatives ticket to Ona-Ara Local Government.
The group over the weekend, during a series of advocacy visits to top party figures, protested what they described as a longstanding imbalance in the distribution of the constituency’s parliamentary seat between Egbeda and Ona-Ara local governments.
Carrying placards with inscriptions demanding fairness, the stakeholders argued that by 2027, Egbeda Local Government would have held the seat for about 20 years, while Ona-Ara would have occupied it for only eight years, a disparity they termed unjust and politically unsustainable.
The delegation took its campaign to notable APC leaders, including Sarafa Alli, Yunus Akintunde, as well as former lawmakers Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun and Teslim Kolawole Folarin, presenting their demands at their respective residences.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a leader, Waheed Olaniyi, popularly known as “Waydem,” described the current situation as inequitable to Ona-Ara residents and cautioned against any attempt to marginalize the area in the party’s candidate selection process.
“In Ona-Ara, we have more than five aspirants who have purchased nomination forms. They are all qualified. The party should, in the spirit of fairness, concede the ticket to Ona-Ara and allow the local government to decide its candidate,” he said.
Olaniyi further referenced an alleged gentleman’s agreement between the two local governments on power rotation, expressing concern over moves by the incumbent to seek re-election.
“While we do not oppose the constitutional right of anyone to contest, any attempt to impose a candidate against the will of the people of Ona-Ara will not be accepted,” he added.
In his response, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharadeen Alli acknowledged receipt of the stakeholders’ protest letter and assured them that their concerns would be tabled before relevant party organs.
He urged calm and expressed confidence that an amicable resolution would be reached.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde assured the group that their message would be communicated to appropriate APC authorities for necessary consideration.
The agitation signals growing internal pressure within the APC in the constituency, as party stakeholders seek a more balanced power-sharing arrangement ahead of the 2027 polls.
