A socio-political group, the Igbomina/Ekiti Youth Stakeholders Forum, has made a strong case for rotational justice ahead of the 2027 general elections, demanding that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zone its House of Representatives ticket for the Irepodun/Ekiti/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency to Ekiti Local Government Area.
The forum, which represents youth interests across the four local government areas of Kwara South, made the declaration in a joint press statement issued on Saturday and made available to 9japarrot media.
The group also unanimously endorsed a prominent grassroots mobilizer and philanthropist, Hon. Dr. Harry Ilori, as its preferred aspirant for the Green Chamber ticket.
The position was formally presented to the leader of the PDP in Kwara State and former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; the State PDP Working Committee led by Hon. Issa Adamu Bawa; and regional party leaders, including Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Ebun Owolabi and Chief Agbelusi Felix Olushola (JP).
The declaration followed extensive cross-constituent consultations where representatives from the four local governments agreed that equity must trample political sentiments.
Speaking for the Irepodun LG, Hon. Usman Gbenga Ajayi noted that Irepodun’s long-standing political focus remains the Kwara South Senate seat. He stated that it is only fair to yield the House of Representatives slot to Ekiti LG while Irepodun pursues its senatorial aspirations in 2027.
On behalf of Isin, Hon. Ganiyu Bola Alabi lauded the resilience of Ekiti local government members and urged the party hierarchy to back a competent, widely accepted candidate from the zone to ensure a resounding electoral victory.
Hon. Akolade Raheem acknowledged that Oke-Ero flew the party’s flag in both the 2019 and 2023 elections. In the spirit of balance and political harmony, he stated that it is time for the ticket to rotate to Ekiti.
Responding to the solidarity, Hon. Depo Ogunleye expressed profound appreciation to the sister local governments for their maturity and commitment to fair play.
Providing historical context to back their agitation, the youth stakeholders pointed out that Ekiti Local Government remains the only area within the federal constituency that has never produced a member of the House of Representatives since the return of democracy.
The forum recalled that during the Second Republic (1979–1983), Hon. James Obaoye of Ayedun (Oke-Ero) represented the constituency under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Similarly, in the short-lived Third Republic (1991–1993), Hon. A. A. Ashaolu of Odo-Owa (Oke-Ero) held the mandate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Given that Oke-Ero also secured the party’s tickets for the last two consecutive general elections, the forum insisted that micro-zoning the 2027 ticket to Ekiti LG is the only way to deepen mutual trust and reinforce internal democracy within the Kwara PDP.
Explaining their decision to back Dr. Harry Ilori, the forum described him as an accomplished professional, committed community builder, and leader of unblemished integrity who possesses the grassroots acceptance required to win back the federal constituency for the PDP.
“Dr. Harry Ilori is widely respected as a grassroots mobilizer, accomplished professional, committed Christian, philanthropist, and community-focused leader whose integrity, humility, and passion for development have earned him admiration across the constituency.
The Forum is convinced that he possesses the competence, experience, credibility, and leadership qualities required to provide effective representation,” the statement read.
The forum concluded by reaffirming its unwavering loyalty to the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led leadership in the state, urging all party elders and delegates to respect the principles of inclusivity to ensure a formidable frontline ahead of the 2027 polls.
Official signatories to the press statement are as follows;
Hon. Usman Gbenga Ajayi – Representative, Irepodun LG
Hon. Ganiyu Bola Alabi – Representative, Isin LG
Hon. Akolade Raheem – Representative, Oke-Ero LG
Hon. Depo Ogunleye – Representative, Ekiti LG