Youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have openly rejected the re-election ambitions of Hon. Jimi Odimayo, the current representative for the Okitipupa-Irele Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In a statement released on Thursday and made available to newsmen, the youths, spearheaded by Adewale Adefua, declared that the constituency requires fresh leadership at the National Assembly.
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They endorsed Bidemi Obayangban, the Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Forestry, as their preferred candidate for the seat in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
“We have witnessed the tangible positive impact Hon. Obayangban has delivered in our community,” Adefua stated.
“The time has come for change, and we firmly believe he is the ideal individual to represent our interests effectively.”
Echoing this sentiment, Ajibade Omogunoye, a prominent youth leader in the area, praised Obayangban’s character.
“We are supporting Obayangban due to his humility and genuine passion for our people,” Omogunoye said.
“He possesses the capability to usher in the transformative change we desperately need, even though our kinsman, Odimayo, is pursuing re-election.”
The development highlights emerging intra-party tensions within the APC in Ondo South Senatorial District as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
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Odimayo, who has previously undertaken constituency projects including fertiliser distribution to farmers and palliative measures, now faces opposition from the youth wing despite his ongoing tenure.
Obayangban, known for community initiatives such as youth empowerment programmes and sports tournaments, is seen by the group as a dynamic alternative capable of addressing local concerns more vigorously.