Akure youths purchase APC nomination forms for Ondo Rep, Adesida

In a notable display of support and appreciation, youths from Akure North and Akure South Federal Constituency have purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for their representative, Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida.

This is just as the lawmaker kicked against the consensus arrangement reportedly adopted in the state, which he said excluded him and other aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adesida argued that the concept of consensus as provided for in the Electoral Act was not intended for governors or party leaders to impose candidates, but rather to foster agreement among all aspirants seeking elective positions within the APC.

He maintained that the most credible method for selecting candidates in any political party is through direct primaries, as it allows all party members to participate in the process, unlike delegate-based primaries which, he alleged, are often susceptible to manipulation by moneyed interests.

Adesida stressed that consensus can only be valid where there is total agreement among all aspirants, noting that the presence of even a single dissenting voice undermines the process. He cited the case of Lagos State, where, despite widespread endorsements, aspirants are still expected to go through party primaries.

His words: “Consensus works when everybody agrees. So if only one person, if there is a dissident, just one person, then it can’t work, there cannot be consensus. Even the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat that everybody is endorsing in Lagos, it is not even consensus, he still has to go through the primary.

“I am part of the system that enacted the bill that was signed into law by Mr. President. In the United States, even in advanced countries, they do direct primaries. It is like general elections.

“For example, in America, they are doing their primaries, and everybody goes to the polls, especially party members. They call them delegates. They go and vote for whoever will represent them, so I think it’s better than indirect.

“Imposition will be difficult under this system. The national body is sending umpires from Abuja to conduct the election, ensuring that the process is not hijacked locally.”

Adesida expressed confidence in securing the APC ticket, saying he has impacted positively on the constituency both in his first and second terms in office.

Speaking during the presentation of the forms to Adesida, the delegation of youths led by Ogundipe Seyi said the group comprised professionals from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other federal agencies.

He said the gesture was in appreciation of Adesida’s role in facilitating their employment, noting that the beneficiaries personally contributed funds for the forms. He added that the lawmaker has secured jobs for over 500 indigenes, thereby impacting hundreds of households across Akure North and South Federal Constituency.

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Responding, Adesida said he was caught off guard by the gesture, revealing that he had been hesitant about seeking re-election.

“I am truly surprised. A few days ago, I was preparing to pay for the forms myself when one of them, now an Assistant Controller in Customs, called to tell me they were already handling it. I told them not to bother, but they insisted,” Adesida said.

The lawmaker said the rigours of office had dampened his initial enthusiasm for another term, but added that “this has lifted my spirit. If the people want me to continue serving and fighting for them, I am ready.”