Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State have rejected the reported nomination of Miss Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi as the party’s House of Representatives candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders, under the aegis of Concerned APC Stakeholders, said the party’s ticket should be reserved for an indigene of the Ekiti bloc, warning that the reported nomination could deepen internal divisions within the party.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday and signed by the group’s coordinator, Bayode Dada, the stakeholders described the nomination as unacceptable, alleging that Oyeyemi, whom they claimed hails from Ijebu in Ogun State, does not represent the identity and interests of the constituency.

The group also argued that replacing the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, popularly known as Ajuloopin, with a non-indigene would amount to another injustice against the Ekiti bloc.

Dada said, “All we need now is Ekiti for Ekiti and not an Ijebu woman from Ogun State to take our slot. We can’t afford to toy with our destiny by placing it in the hands of a stranger.”

He stressed that the constituency deserved a representative with deep roots in the area who understands the history and aspirations of the people.

“The people deserve a representative who shares their history, understands their struggles and has deep roots in the constituency. Leadership is not just about political appointment; it is also about identity, trust and genuine connection with the people,” he said.

The stakeholders acknowledged that some party members had opposed the retention of Ajuloopin as the party’s candidate, but insisted that replacing him with someone they described as an outsider was not acceptable.

They warned that imposing the reported candidate could trigger resistance within the party and affect APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.

The group called on the national and state leadership of the APC to review the reported nomination and ensure that the party’s candidate emerges through a transparent process that reflects the wishes of members in the constituency.

Dada added that unresolved disputes over zoning, local identity and candidate selection could weaken party unity and affect electoral outcomes.