A former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency of the state ahead of the 2027 general election after a sweeping victory at the party’s primary election held on Saturday.
The primary witnessed massive support for Dr. Ajakaye across the constituency, as stakeholders, party stalwarts, and influential figures of the APC rallied behind his candidature.
The exercise began on a positive note with key aspirants in Offa, Alhaji Femi White and Alhaji Ogunbiyi Ojokure, directing their supporters to vote overwhelmingly for Dr. Ajakaye, a gesture party sources attributed to the goodwill enjoyed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his former spokesman.
Across polling units in Ifelodun, Offa, and Oyun local government areas, supporters turned out massively in support of Dr. Ajakaye, who defeated the incumbent and two-term House of Representatives member, Hon. Ismail Kayode, alongside nine other aspirants.
In Ipee, Oyun Local Government Area, Dr. Ajakaye polled 1,551 votes, while Hon. Ismail Kayode recorded zero votes.
Similarly, in Erin-Ile South, hometown of another contestant, Tijani, Dr. Ajakaye secured 707 votes, while Tijani failed to record any vote.
In Ile-Ire Ward, Dr. Ajakaye also recorded a landslide victory with 300 votes, compared to Tijani’s one vote.
The primary election was conducted in a carnival-like atmosphere, reflecting Dr. Ajakaye’s popularity and reputation as a grassroots politician and widely accepted political figure within the constituency.
Announcing the results, the presiding officer for the election, Mr. Olagunju Afeez, said Dr. Ajakaye emerged winner of the contest after polling the highest number of votes among the aspirants.
According to him, Mr. Tajudeen Abioye came second with 493 votes, while Mr. Kayode Adebiyi Abdulhakeem scored 370 votes and Mr. Akintunde Shittu polled 216 votes.
Other contestants included Mr. Oyekunle Gbenga, who scored 191 votes; Mr. Ademola Bello, 104 votes; Mr. Abiodun Azeez, 50 votes; Owoniyi Abiodun Azeez, 40 votes; and Mr. Ayoola Fakunle, who polled 25 votes.
With the victory, Dr. Ajakaye will now fly the APC flag for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The exercise was reportedly peaceful and orderly across the constituency, with party members turning out in large numbers amid tight security and widespread enthusiasm.
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