Stakeholders in Okeigbo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have renewed their support for Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi as the preferred candidate to represent the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders, who called for a change in the constituency’s representation, cited what they described as years of poor representation, inadequate development and the failure to deliver the expected dividends of democracy.

Their position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Fayemisi Tosin, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who said growing dissatisfaction among constituents has heightened calls for a representative capable of attracting federal projects, creating employment opportunities and providing effective representation at the National Assembly.

According to Tosin, many residents who had high expectations when the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, assumed office are now disappointed by what they described as the lack of visible achievements and meaningful development across the federal constituency.

He said the constituency continues to grapple with poor infrastructure, limited federal presence, youth unemployment and the absence of impactful constituency projects.

Tosin identified the deteriorating Okeigbo-Ifetedo Bridge, which links Ondo and Osun states, as one of the major concerns facing residents, noting that its poor condition has continued to affect farmers, traders, students and other commuters who depend on the route for their daily activities.

He also lamented the condition of the School for Persons with Disabilities in Okeigbo, describing the institution as neglected and in urgent need of rehabilitation and government intervention.

According to him, several youths who travelled to Abuja after being promised federal jobs are yet to receive appointment letters, while many qualified indigenes of the constituency remain excluded from both federal and state employment opportunities.

Tosin maintained that continued electoral support should be based on performance, accessibility and tangible development, stressing that many constituents are unwilling to support another term for the incumbent without visible improvements in infrastructure, empowerment and service delivery.

He said the people were looking forward to a new era of leadership anchored on accountability, inclusiveness and effective representation.

The stakeholders also reaffirmed their support for Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who mounted a strong campaign during the APC House of Representatives primary for the constituency.

They urged the national leadership of the APC to recognise her as the rightful candidate and upload her name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, expressing confidence that her emergence would provide the constituency with stronger representation and accelerate development across the federal constituency.