The All Progressives Congress has endorsed Olalekan Stephen Ijidale as its consensus candidate for the Ayekire/Gbonyin Constituency seat in the Ekiti State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections, a move party leaders say will consolidate unity and strengthen its chances in the legislative contest.
Party executives and leaders across the constituency reached the decision on March 12 after consultations aimed at preventing internal rivalry within the ruling party. The agreement signals an early attempt by the APC to rally its structure in Ayekire and Gbonyin local government areas behind a single candidate.
Mr Ijidale, reacting shortly after the announcement, thanked the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for what he described as steady encouragement that helped stabilise the party’s internal process.
“I remain humbled by this trust and opportunity to serve. This moment reflects the unity of our party and the confidence our leaders have placed in me,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of Femi Awe, Ekiti State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, whom he credited for providing political guidance during consultations that preceded the consensus.
The process that produced the candidate was coordinated by the Ayekire/Gbonyin APC leadership under Tokunbo Akinyeye, the local government party chairman, who presided over meetings that brought party stakeholders to agreement on a single aspirant.
Ijidale said the endorsement carries a responsibility to represent the constituency with “commitment and measurable impact”, promising to focus on development priorities that reflect the needs of communities across Ayekire and Gbonyin.
He added that his legislative ambition aligns with the policy direction of the Oyebanji administration, particularly its governance framework built around economic growth and improved welfare.
“With God’s grace, we will secure victory at the polls and work for the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Political observers in Ekiti note that consensus arrangements often reduce pre-primary disputes within dominant parties, allowing candidates to approach general elections with a unified structure. With backing from both local party leaders and state figures, Ijidale now heads toward the race with the full weight of the APC organisation behind him.
