Ekiti youths reject candidate imposition, demand zoning for 2027 poll

By Boye Oyeyemi

A political pressure group named Ekiti North Progressive Youth Alliance has kicked against alleged plans to impose a senatorial candidate on constituents of Ekiti North ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that such moves would be resisted.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ido Ekiti, the Coordinator, Tayelolu Ajayi, said Ikole had been marginalised in the district’s political arrangement since the return to democratic rule in 1999, stressing that it was only equitable for the area to produce the next senator.

The group also renewed its demand for the zoning of the senatorial seat to Ikole Local Government Area, citing the need for fairness and balanced political representation within the district, adding that continued exclusion could further deepen political discontent among residents.

Ajayi raised concerns over what he described as attempts by some political actors to return current National Assembly members despite alleged poor performance, warning that voters would reject such plans.

He described any move to adopt candidates through consensus as undemocratic, insisting that it would deny credible aspirants a level playing field.

“Electorates in Ekiti North are ready to oppose any arrangement that seeks to impose candidates on them. The people must be allowed to freely choose their representatives,” he said.

Ajayi added that allowing Ikole to produce the next senator would promote inclusiveness, strengthen unity, and improve development across the district, noting that the area has competent individuals capable of delivering quality representation.