Stakeholders in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency have commenced a series of visits to key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for fairness in the allocation of the party’s House of Representatives ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group, during the visits, displayed placards highlighting what they described as a long-standing imbalance in representation between the two local governments.
According to them, by 2027, Egbeda Local Government would have occupied the seat for about 20 years, while Ona-Ara would have had only eight years—an imbalance they described as unjust.
The stakeholders took their agitation to prominent party leaders, including Oyo South Senator, Sen. Sarafa Alli; Oyo Central Senator, Sen. Yunus Akintunde; and former Oyo Central Senators, Chief Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun and Sen. Teslim Kolawole Folarin, at their respective residences.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of its leaders, Waydem, described the situation as unfair to the people of Ona-Ara Local Government, warning against any attempt to sideline the area in the forthcoming selection process.
He said, “In Ona-Ara, we have more than five aspirants who have purchased their respective forms. They are all qualified. The party should, in the spirit of fairness, concede the slot to Ona-Ara and allow the local government to choose from among its aspirants.
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“We must also remind the public that there was a gentleman agreement between the two local governments. It is therefore surprising to see the incumbent seeking to re-contest. While we do not oppose his right to contest, any attempt to impose a candidate against the will of the people of Ona-Ara will not be accepted.”
Responding, Sen. Sarafa Alli received the protest letter and assured the group that their concerns would be presented at the appropriate stakeholders’ meeting. He also appealed for calm, expressing optimism that the issue would be resolved amicably.
Similarly, Sen. Yunus Akintunde assured the stakeholders that their message would be duly conveyed to the relevant party authorities for consideration.
