A leading aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in Ondo State, Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo, has declared that the time has come for him to represent the Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, dismissing insinuations of internal rift with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and pledging his unalloyed loyalty to the party leadership.
Hon. Fadairo, the immediate past Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Central) to Governor Aiyedatiwa and former Director of Administration to the Senate, spoke on Tuesday while addressing the APC ward chairmen and other critical stakeholders in Akure, ahead of the party’s primary.
He said his aspiration was borne out of sustained calls by constituents who believe he possesses the experience and grassroots reach required to deliver effective representation.
Declaring his readiness for the party’s direct primary scheduled for Monday, Hon. Fadairo said he had been officially cleared by the APC screening committee and had intensified consultations across the 23 wards of the constituency.
The APC aspirant insisted that contrary to rumours of animosity making the rounds in the community, there was no disagreement between him and Governor Aiyedatiwa, stressing that he remained one of the governor’s ‘loyal political associates’ especially in Akure.
The APC chieftain also dismissed allegations that he was mounting pressure on the governor despite reports of an alleged consensus arrangement, describing such claims as baseless and attempts by political detractors to sow seeds of discord.
Speaking on his confidence ahead of the primary, Hon. Fadairo said he had invested significant time and resources in building political structures across the federal constituency, noting that his preparation for the contest did not start recently.
He also fought reports suggesting that the incumbent representative may be handed an automatic ticket by the party leadership, adding that it was just speculation.
Addressing concerns that his support base is concentrated mainly in Akure South, Fadairo said his popularity spreads across both local government areas.
He added that his aspiration was rooted in a desire to bridge developmental gaps and deepen inclusive representation in the constituency.
Fadairo also urged his supporters and party faithful to shun violence before, during and after the primary election, stressing that politics should not be allowed to divide the constituency.
Fidelis David
