By Gbenga Sodeinde In Ado Ekiti
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado Ekiti have moved to avoid internal contest and strengthen party cohesion by adopting Hon. Steve Olusola Fatoba as their consensus candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I.
The decision, reached after consultations across the 13 wards in Ado, signals a deliberate effort by party stakeholders to present a united front ahead of the elections and minimize internal divisions.
The meeting brought together top government officials and party figures, including former Deputy Governor, Modupe Adelabu; Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Bolaji Egbeyemi-Olagbaju; Commissioner for Environment, Tosin Aluko; and Ado Local Government Chairman, Bosun Osaloni, alongside ward leaders and party executives.
Speakers at the gathering framed the consensus move as a return to an older political tradition aimed at reducing rivalry and campaign costs. Former lawmaker, Toyin Lucas, noted that such arrangements date back to the era of Obafemi Awolowo, where party unity was prioritised over internal contests.
Addressing party members, Adelabu stressed the need to put collective interest above personal ambition, urging aggrieved stakeholders to align with the decision. She pointed out that with support already secured from Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ado could not afford to remain divided.
Adubiaro described the endorsement as a defining moment, saying it counters long-standing perceptions of political disunity in Ado Ekiti.
Party chieftain, Remi Oguntuase, also linked the move to electoral strategy, stressing that stronger voter turnout would translate into greater federal presence and benefits for the constituency.
Fatoba’s adoption was formally moved and seconded at the meeting, receiving unanimous backing from stakeholders.
In a parallel development, party leaders also endorsed Michael Opeyemi for the Senate, further reinforcing the party’s consensus approach across positions.
The day’s biggest shift, however, came as a leading aspirant, Toyin Ojo, stepped down from the race, throwing his weight behind Fatoba and aligning with the party’s decision.
Reacting, Fatoba thanked party leaders, traditional authorities, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for their confidence in him.
He acknowledged past shortcomings and assured stakeholders of improved performance if given another mandate.
“I will not disappoint you.There will be a clear difference,” he said, while commending other aspirants for their cooperation.
The development effectively clears the path for Fatoba’s third-term bid, with party leaders banking on unity to strengthen their chances at the polls.