Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have issued a strong call for unity and strategic alignment, warning that internal friction could jeopardize the party's performance in Kwara South during the 2027 general elections.

The leaders made this appeal on Friday during a high-level consultative engagement held in Ilorin. The meeting focused on the urgent need for cohesion, inclusiveness, and a strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy to ensure the party remains a dominant force in the region.

Hon. Otunba Taiwo Joseph, Chairman of the Communique Committee, explained that the gathering was a proactive step to deliberate on equitable political representation. He noted that the political influence of Ekiti LGA and the wider Kwara South zone has historically been weakened by avoidable internal crises, which in turn slowed down local development.

"Unity remains the only pathway to progress," Hon. Joseph stated. "We must prioritize the collective interest of the party over individual ambitions if we are to midwife a successful 2027 outing."

The stakeholders emphasized that the APC must operate as a united front to consolidate the achievements of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration. They urged party members at the grassroots level to embrace reconciliation and support a structure that rewards loyalty and merit.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen the party's presence in Ekiti LGA through regular engagements and a transparent approach to leadership selection.

"We must learn from past experiences. Unity and internal cohesion are critical if the APC must sustain its dominance and achieve meaningful political advancement in Ekiti and Kwara South," Joseph said.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the stakeholders expressed confidence in the APC's prospects in the 2027 general elections, particularly in the governorship and legislative contests, provided the party upholds transparency, inclusiveness and internal democracy.

On representation, the stakeholders appealed to the national leadership of the APC and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to consider Ekiti Local Government's long-standing aspiration to produce a member of the House of Representatives from the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency.

They described the demand as a matter of equity and fairness, thus urging party leaders to address longstanding political imbalances in the constituency.

Addressing the 2027 governorship race, the stakeholders called for the emergence of a candidate with experience, competence, and a proven track record of service.

They openly declared support for the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, citing his legislative experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to good governance.

"Stakeholders expressed strong confidence in Senator Ashiru's capacity to lead Kwara State effectively, considering his performance and dedication to public service," the communique stated.

The meeting also encouraged all qualified and capable APC members from Ekiti Local Government to seek elective offices, particularly the House of Representatives seat, while affirming that the governorship position remains open to aspirants from all senatorial districts of the state.

Reaffirming loyalty to the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the stakeholders pledged disciplined engagement, grassroots mobilisation and sustained efforts to strengthen the party's presence in Kwara South.

They also expressed sympathy with communities in Ekiti Local Government affected by recent incidents of banditry and insecurity, and thus, called on security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property.

The communique concluded with a resolution to maintain a united front anchored on fairness, justice, and collective responsibility, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the development objectives of the APC-led government in Kwara State.