Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus has said that the candidature of Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi as the standard-bearer of the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero federal constituency in the state for 2027 election will consolidate the electoral dominance of the party in the constituency and the state at large.
They also said that Olawuyi has won elections for the APC for three consecutive terms and therefore possesses the experience, credibility, acceptability and electoral strength necessary to secure victory for the party come 2027.
Olawuyi is the current Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
A memorandum addressed to the national and state APC leaders by the group in Ilorin weekend by its Chairman, Chief James Ayeni, stated that the strong grassroots connection of Hon. Ajuloopin has translated into repeated electoral victories and has significantly strengthened the APC’s presence throughout the constituency.
According to the memorandum, “As
the party prepares for the 2027 general election, it is strategically important to present a candidate who is not only experienced but also commands genuine grassroots support, enjoys the confidence of the electorate, and possesses the political capacity to mobilize votes across every ward and polling unit within the constituency.
“Beyond legislative experience and proven electoral success, Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi remains one of the most deeply rooted political figures in Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency.
“Candidate selection should primarily be guided by electability, proven performance, legislative experience, grassroots acceptability, and the capacity to retain the confidence of the electorate.
“Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi has served the people of Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency with distinction, having won multiple elections under the APC platform.”
The memorandum also stated that: “His legislative record, constituency interventions, accessibility to constituents, and enduring grassroots network have established him as one of the party’s most formidable electoral assets in Kwara South.
“At a time when the APC must consolidate its dominance, the party should be careful not to weaken its strongest electoral structures.
“Irepodun Local Government where Hon. Ajuloopin hails from remains one of the strongest electoral pillars of the APC within the federal constituency and Kwara South generally.
“Its consistent support has contributed immensely to the party’s victories over the years. maintaining that, the confidence of this critical voting base is strategically important to the success of all APC candidates during the 2027 elections.”
While discussions on zoning are important for political inclusiveness, the caucus said it should not be interpreted in isolation or without regard to historical realities.
It said: “The Ekiti bloc has, over the years, benefited significantly from political representation, having occupied the Senate seat for three uninterrupted terms. This reflects substantial participation in the political leadership of Kwara South.
“Consequently, presenting the Ekiti bloc as politically excluded does not accurately reflect the history of political representation within the district.
“We therefore respectfully urge our distinguished leaders to consider the broader political realities, historical context, electoral dynamics, and strategic interests of the APC in arriving at decisions that will further strengthen our party and guarantee victory in the forthcoming elections.”
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