In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 elections, six frontline aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly ticket in Akoko South West Constituency 1 of Ondo State have stepped down from the race and unanimously endorsed Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole as the consensus candidate.

The decision was announced during a well-attended stakeholders’ gathering which brought together party leaders, community elders, the Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Sunday Agbede Ajulu, ward chairmen, councillors, and supporters from across the constituency.

The aspirants, drawn from different wards within the constituency, said their decision was guided by the need to strengthen party unity and ensure a more coordinated electoral front going into the next general election.

Those who withdrew their ambitions and pledged support for Omole include Prince Gbenga Osewa (Ward 1), Murphy Adamolekun Omoluabi (Ward 7), Dr. Niyi Leramo (Ward 6), Gbenga Enyadunmo (Ward 7), Prince Adeniyi Osewa (Ward 1), and Donald Ologbese (Ward 8).

In a joint position, the former aspirants described their move as a collective sacrifice aimed at prioritising the interest of the constituency above individual aspirations. They noted that internal cohesion within the APC was critical to delivering electoral success.

“Akoko Southwest Constituency 1 is bigger than any individual ambition,” they stated. “We have chosen to put the people first and work together for the progress of our constituency. Today, we declare our full loyalty to the ISE OLUWA LEKAN SI Movement and formally endorse Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole as our consensus flag bearer for the Ondo State House of Assembly in 2027.”

They further expressed confidence in Omole’s capacity to represent the constituency effectively, describing him as a seasoned party man who has contributed significantly to the development of members and the strengthening of the party structure.

According to them, “Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole has paid his dues in this party. He has developed a whole lot of party members, and we believe in his capacity to represent this constituency adequately.”

Party elders at the event described the development as a major step toward political stability within the constituency, commending the aspirants for what they called a “rare act of political maturity and selflessness.”

They added that the consolidation of political structures behind a single candidate would help reduce internal tensions and strengthen the APC’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

With the endorsement of the six aspirants, Omole’s campaign appears to have gained significant momentum, as several political blocs within the constituency now align behind his candidacy.

In his response, Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole expressed appreciation for the endorsement, describing it as a strong demonstration of unity, loyalty, and commitment to the progress of the party.

He assured all stakeholders that he would run an inclusive campaign and, if elected, provide effective and people-oriented representation for the constituency.

Omole also pledged not to take the support of the aspirants and party faithful for granted, promising to carry all interests along in the political process leading up to 2027.