2027: Ifo group gives up “lopsided” representative seat and requests APC ticket to Ifo

…Cites voting strength and historical imbalance in Ifo/Ewekoro constituency

Daud Olatunji

The Ifo Progressive Indigenes Forum has called on the All Progressives Congress to split its House of Representatives ticket for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ifo Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday, warned that the current model of representation in the constituency has remained “lopsided” in favor of Ewekoro Local Government Area since 1999.

The statement was jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Abdul Oladosu, and Secretary, Kehinde Egbeyemi.

The group said the debate ahead of the 2027 election should focus on fairness and equity rather than individual ambitions.

According to the forum, the publication of the 2027 election calendar by the Independent National Electoral Commission has reopened what it described as a fundamental moral question about fair political representation in the constituency.

“There are crucial seasons in the life of a democracy when the question before a people is not simply who will oppose, but whether justice will preside,” the statement read in part.

The forum argued that sustainable democracy is anchored not only on periodic elections but also on fairness and inclusiveness, stressing that political positions in a constituency shared by two local governments should rotate.

The IPIF noted that calls for ticket zoning for the Ifo have been consistently raised by party members since the last election cycle and are gaining renewed support among new entrants to the party.

To justify its position, the group cited electoral statistics from recent polls, saying the figures reflect the Ifo’s strong voting strength within the constituency.

According to the forum, in the last governorship election, Ifo Local Government cast 20,653 votes in favor of the APC, while Ewekoro recorded 20,415 accredited voters and 8,192 votes.

He added that in the 2023 presidential election, Ifo produced 26,507 votes compared to Ewekoro’s 9,778 votes.

“And in Ifo/Ewekoro arithmetic, the numbers speak with unmistakable clarity,” the forum said.

The group also highlighted what it described as “structural realities”, pointing out that Ifo has 448 polling units in 11 constituencies, compared to Ewekoro’s 188 polling units in 10 constituencies.

“Where strength is structural and sacrifice is demonstrable, recognition should be non-negotiable,” he said.

The forum further argued that representation in the constituency had historically favored Ewekoro.

He noted that former MP, Bamidele Obadina, and incumbent Representative, Ibrahim Isiaka, both from Ewekoro, have collectively occupied the seat for more than two decades.

In contrast, he said Ifo has produced only two representatives since 1999: Abayomi Collins, who served from 1999 to 2007, and Adekunle Adeyemi, who represented the constituency from 2011 to 2015.

“In almost three decades, Ifo has produced representatives for about 12 years, while Ewekoro has held the seat for over 16 years. This is not a sentimental complaint; it is a measurable imbalance,” the group said.

He warned that failure to resolve the imbalance could weaken party unity and undermine the principle of fair reward for loyalty and campaign contributions.

While acknowledging the efforts of the incumbent legislator, the forum insisted that political inclusion requires creating opportunities for other parts of the constituency.

“A twin constituency cannot function as a true democratic partnership if one half perpetually has electoral clout while the other maintains an uninterrupted advantage,” the group added.

The forum therefore urged the APC leadership to ensure that the party’s ticket for the House of Representatives in 2027 is zoned for Ifo Local Government.

Meanwhile, the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his commitment to inclusive governance through the Renewed Hope agenda.

He also commended the administration of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for infrastructural development across Ifo and nearby communities.

The forum listed several road projects executed by the state government, including Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road, Alhaji Kosoko Road connecting Denro, Ishasi and Akute, Segun Osoba Road, Toyin Road, Yakoyo–Alagbole Road, Hercules–Oke Aro–Giwa Corridor and Vespa–Olose Titun–Ikorota Meje Road.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE