A significant realignment is shaking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

A coalition of 22 influential party leaders and stakeholders has officially endorsed Engr. Jamiu Ogundele (popularly known as Jamsalod) as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly in the 2027 elections.

This move serves as a direct challenge to the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, whose supporters recently held a rally advocating for his return for a fourth term.

Led by former Commissioner for Information, Dr Dele Ogunsiji, the group rejected the idea of a fourth term for Jemili, citing the need for political renewal and youth inclusion.

The leaders argued that perpetual incumbency undermines democratic fairness. According to the communiqué released after a meeting on May 6, 2026:

“Democracy thrives when power is renewed, when leaders are accountable, and when no one is made to appear indispensable.”

The stakeholders emphasized that their support for Ogundele is a strategic effort to balance the party’s internal dynamics and satisfy the growing demand for younger leadership.

The group highlighted several key reasons for choosing Ogundele, including his grassroots support and his private contributions to healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The communiqué described him as “a capable young leader whose emergence reflects our collective resolve to give youths a sense of belonging in politics and governance.”

The stakeholders used the platform to appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for their support.

They specifically praised the Governor’s leadership in streamlining the party’s direction for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

“Your Excellency brought together party leaders, key stakeholders, and various aspirants… ensuring fairness, consultation, and inclusivity.”

The leaders reaffirmed their total commitment to Senator Adeola’s 2027 governorship ambition, promising a unified front in Imeko-Afon.

Notable attendees included Hon. Tajudeen Ayilara, Hon. Olusola Oke, Chief Mrs. Mary Ogunjobi, Chief Sunday Alawode, and Hon. Femi Fatunmbi.

Tension flared at the Ogun State Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, on Wednesday as hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Ijebu East Local Government staged a rowdy protest over the rumored imposition of a candidate for the Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency seat.

The protesters, wielding placards and chanting slogans, converged on the Governor’s Office to voice their opposition to the purported backing of the incumbent, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, for a return to the Green Chamber.

The contention lies in a long-standing power-sharing agreement among the three local governments making up the federal constituency.

Highlighting a 12-year stretch where Ijebu North dominated the seat, the protesters argued that the principle of rotational representation has been skewed in favor of Ijebu North.

They cited the representation by Hon Adekoya Adesegun, popularly known as ‘Attacker’ and Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, the incumbent.

“Based on the principles of fairness, equity, and rotation, it is the turn of Ijebu East to produce the next representative. We have an abundance of eminently qualified, popular, and widely acceptable aspirants” one of the leaders of group maintained.

The demonstrators also described Hon. Adegbesan as a weak and unpopular choice of representative for the Federal Constituency.

They argued that the APC’s previous electoral struggles in the region were a direct result of fielding candidates who lack grassroots appeal.

They warned that forcing an unpopular candidate through an alleged imposition would lead to a “poor showing” for the party in the upcoming general elections.

Addressing the aggrieved party members on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, urged the protesters to remain calm and avoid being misled by hearsay.

Dr. Taiwo debunked the claims of a finalized candidate, stating that the party has not officially endorsed anyone under a consensus arrangement.

“I don’t know where you got that information. If your source is not right, then your information is not right. If you heard that from the Governor or in an official announcement or in the news, that’s a different ballgame. Don’t let rumor mongers cause disharmony within our party. Let us be cautious and patient because there is no proof whatsoever of this.”

Dr. Taiwo reminded the party faithful that the Electoral Act provides clear alternatives, noting that if a consensus cannot be reached, the party is prepared to conduct direct primaries to ensure the will of the members prevails.

He concluded by assuring the protesters that their grievances would be formally presented to the Governor for a thorough review.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has broken his silence regarding the controversial All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held last Thursday, April 23, 2026.

In a statement released by his media office, the former two-term governor debunked reports suggesting he pressured senatorial aspirants to withdraw their bids in his favor, describing such accounts as a complete misrepresentation of the proceedings.

The meeting, which took place at the Abeokuta residence of the APC National Leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, was reportedly convened to discuss the party’s direction for the Ogun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amosun clarified that the gathering was actually called at his own instance to address growing insinuations regarding his potential candidacy.

According to the Senator, while three aspirants had previously offered to step down if he decided to run, he never made such a demand during the meeting.

“Nowhere throughout the meeting did I request anyone to withdraw from the race for me because that would be undemocratic and unacceptable,” Amosun stated.

While maintaining his credentials as a seasoned democrat who has won four major elections, two as Governor and two as Senator, Amosun issued a stern warning regarding the party’s internal processes.

He emphasized that his primary concern is the integrity of the electoral process rather than the elimination of opponents, reiterating that he would not participate in any primary election where the outcome is predetermined.

While urging party leadership to ensure a level playing field for all contenders, the former governor expressed disappointment over the distorted accounts of the meeting filtered through various media outlets.

He advised journalists to cross-check information provided by interested parties who may have ulterior motives.