Ogun Rep Seeks APC Ticket, Defends Re-election Bid

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, has appealed to stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support her bid for a return ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

The appeal comes amid reports that another aspirant has allegedly secured the backing of the Ogun State governor for the seat.

Ayoola-Elegbeji disclosed that she had obtained and submitted her nomination forms for the APC primaries and was continuing consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the constituency.

The lawmaker, who was sworn in last October following the death of former Deputy Chief Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga, said she had recorded notable legislative and constituency achievements despite her short time in office.

“In the short time I’ve been here, I have sponsored four bills and moved three motions of national importance, all of which are impactful and beneficial to my constituents,” she said.

She added that support from members of the South-West and Ogun caucuses in the House of Representatives, alongside the retention of legislative aides who served under her predecessor, helped her settle quickly into parliamentary duties.

Speaking on the alleged consensus arrangement within the APC, Ayoola-Elegbeji insisted that party guidelines required consultations with all aspirants before any consensus candidate could emerge.

“There are candidates who are regarded as consensus candidates, but all aspirants must be consulted, and that hasn’t happened,” she stated.

The lawmaker further revealed that traditional rulers, labour groups, and community stakeholders had appealed to her to remain in the race, while some constituents had also staged protests in support of her re-election bid.

According to her, retaining the seat would ensure continuity and preserve legislative advantages for the constituency, especially as she would become a ranking member in the 11th Assembly if re-elected.

“If someone entirely new comes in, they would have to start all over again. My advantage is that if I return, I become a ranking member in the 11th Assembly, which comes with certain privileges,” she explained.

Highlighting projects executed during her brief stay in office, Ayoola-Elegbeji listed solar lighting projects in Ikenne and Sagamu, road construction efforts in Iwolo, and upcoming empowerment programmes for constituents.

She also disclosed that she personally funded grading works on erosion-damaged roads in Ward 14 of Sagamu pending the mobilisation of contractors for permanent repairs.

“In the meantime, I sponsored palliative work to make the roads passable until proper construction begins,” she said.

The lawmaker further revealed that she funded ecological studies that facilitated the inclusion of three projects under the Ecological Fund, noting that her return to the National Assembly would help ensure their proper implementation.

She also highlighted humanitarian interventions carried out during Ramadan and Easter, including food distribution to mosques and churches, as well as holiday coaching classes for about 1,000 students across the constituency.

On concerns surrounding support from Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC leadership, Ayoola-Elegbeji expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and decision-making process.

“We have a listening governor. He listens to the grassroots and to the hierarchy of the party. I believe he will do the right thing,” she said.

The lawmaker also decried the low number of women in elective positions, particularly in the South-West, stressing the need to encourage female participation in politics.

“We are advocating for more women to join politics, but at the very least, those of us already here should be allowed to stay because we understand the system and can mentor incoming female legislators,” she said.

She appealed to party stakeholders and constituents to allow her continue representing the constituency, describing herself as experienced, capable, and committed to quality representation.

“I’m tested and trusted. I’ve shown my capability and commitment, so I humbly ask for the opportunity to continue representing my people,” she added.