AKURE, Nigeria — An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi, has dismissed claims that she lacks the grassroots support needed to win the general election.
Fajemirokun-Ajayi, in a statement, said critics questioning her visibility in the constituency were either misinformed or deliberately ignoring years of community engagement, empowerment initiatives and direct interaction with residents across the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency.
She insisted that her political strength was not built on noise or social media publicity, but on sustained work with communities, women, young people, artisans, traditional institutions and local leaders. According to her, the support she enjoys across Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo is rooted in service, accessibility and trust.
The APC aspirant said those attempting to portray her as detached from the grassroots were relying on outdated political assumptions. She argued that voters in the constituency were increasingly focused on competence, credibility and the ability to attract development, rather than narrow political propaganda.
Fajemirokun-Ajayi said her ambition was driven by a desire to provide effective representation and ensure that the constituency receives greater attention in federal development programmes. She promised to prioritise youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, education, healthcare, infrastructure and support for small businesses if elected.
Her response comes amid growing political activity in Ondo State as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections. The APC has witnessed intense contests in several constituencies, with some aspirants challenging primary outcomes and others raising concerns over internal party processes. In one recent case, an aspirant in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency primary rejected the result over alleged irregularities.
Fajemirokun-Ajayi, however, said internal debates should not distract the party from its broader goal of presenting credible candidates capable of winning elections and delivering results. She urged APC members in the constituency to remain united and avoid campaigns of personal attacks.
She also appealed to supporters to continue mobilising peacefully, saying her campaign would remain focused on issues affecting ordinary people. She maintained that the final decision would rest with voters, whom she described as politically aware and capable of separating genuine service from empty criticism.
Political observers say the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbbo/Odigbo race is expected to attract strong interest because of the constituency’s strategic importance in Ondo politics. For Fajemirokun-Ajayi, the immediate challenge is to convert her claimed grassroots network into broad electoral support ahead of the polls.
