ABEOKUTA – A cloud of political tension is gathering over the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency as a coalition of constituents has formally rejected the incumbent representative’s bid to secure a fourth term in the House of Representatives.
Members of the group, operating under the banner of the Ifo Lokan 2027 MHR Movement, marched to the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta on Tuesday to submit a petition, insisting that the party must zone the ticket to Ifo Local Government Area for the sake of “fairness, equity, and justice.”
Speaking on behalf of the hundreds-strong crowd, the group’s spokesperson, Hon. Femi Akala, declared that the tenure of Hon. Isiaka, who has represented the constituency since 2015, should not be extended. The petition was received at the party secretariat by the Administrative Secretary, Segun Bankole, on behalf of the Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi.
“We are here to state unequivocally that the 2027 House of Representatives seat for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency be zoned to Ifo Local Government,” Akala stated.
The group anchored its demand on what it describes as a historical imbalance in representation since the return of democracy in 1999. According to the data presented by the movement, Ewekoro Local Government has held the seat for a total of sixteen years—through Hon. Bamidele Obadina (2007–2011) and the current occupant, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (2015–2027).
In contrast, they argued, Ifo Local Government has only produced a representative for twelve years, via Hon. Abayomi Collins (1999–2007) and Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi (2011–2015).
“We have the larger voter population, the greater number of polling units, and we have consistently delivered support for the party,” Akala argued. “Many loyal members believe that the 2027 APC ticket should rightly be zoned to Ifo to correct this imbalance.”
The movement was careful to frame its agitation as a constructive appeal rather than a confrontation. Akala stressed that their demand aligns with the governing principles of the APC.
“Our appeal aligns with Article 20 of the APC Constitution, which emphasizes fairness, equity, and the distribution of opportunities within the party structure,” the spokesperson reademphasises.
The group warned that ignoring the calls for a power shift could have consequences for party unity, but expressed hope that the party leadership would see the wisdom in their demand. They argued that zoning the ticket to Ifo would not weaken the partnership between the two local governments but would rather “strengthen trust, reinforce party unity, and sustain long-term cohesion.”
“We submit this appeal with the utmost respect, mindful of your wisdom and leadership,” the petition concluded. “The voices rising from Ifo are not voices of protest but voices of hope—hope that the party’s long-standing principles of fairness and inclusiveness will guide its decisions.”
As of the time of this report, the APC leadership in the state has yet to issue an official response to the group’s demands. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka has also not publicly commented on the movement’s opposition to his anticipated fourth-term bid.
