Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday staged a protest in Imeko, declaring support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) while rejecting what they described as attempts to impose a candidate for the State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The protesters, who converged on the party secretariat, insisted that any aspirant seeking to represent the constituency must emerge through a credible and transparent primary election and says no to fourth term agenda.

They also expressed dissatisfaction over what they termed the marginalisation of youth in the distribution of political offices within the local government, which compromised the party ideology. 

According to the group, the State House of Assembly seat has been occupied by Hon. Jemili Akingbade  for about 12 years, warning that any move to extend the dominance  would be strongly resisted.

Reading from a communiqué jointly signed by 10 members, including Hon. Ibrahim Muyheed, Comrade Fayomi Yunus, Comrade Dende Atanda, Comrade Yusuf Toheeb, Ayoola Monsurat, Afolabi Sukurat, Ogunbiyi Nafisat, Comrade Waliu Fadipe, Ajaba Morufat, and Hon. Sukurat Saheed, the protesters called for fairness, equity, and justice in the candidate selection process.

Speaking during the protest, Fayomi Yunus, popularly known as “Gateway,” said the agitation was driven by a collective desire to uphold democratic principles within the party.

“We are not here for anything other than fairness. For about 12 years now, the House of Assembly seat has been occupied by Hon. JemiliAkingbade. There are indications it may be extended to 16 years. That is not acceptable to us. It is the Youth O'clock,” he said.

Yunus, while reaffirming the group’s support for Senator Adeola, warned that any attempt by party leaders to impose a candidate could have adverse consequences for the party’s electoral fortunes in the area.

Responding, the APC Chairman in Imeko-Afon Local Government, Mr. Abdulrahman Adebolu, urged calm and assured members that the party operates within established constitutional procedures.

“I have listened to your concerns. As party chairman, you should understand that there are laid-down procedures for selecting candidates. The party constitution is clear on this, and decisions are not made arbitrarily,” he said.

Despite the assurance, the protesting youths vowed to sustain their agitation to draw attention to what they described as ongoing political manoeuvres within the party.