The ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Kwara State has recorded a major political upset as Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye defeated the incumbent lawmaker representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijani Ismail Kayode.
Tijani, who is seeking a third term in the Green Chamber, reportedly suffered massive rejection from party members and stakeholders across several wards during the direct primary election.
Field reports from Oyun, Offa, and Ifelodun Local Government Areas indicated that Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye gained significant momentum among party members, leaving the incumbent struggling in several polling units and wards.
In Erin-Ile South Ward, the hometown ward of Hon. Tijani Ismail Kayode, the results showed Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye polling 707 votes, Tajudeen Abioye securing 493 votes, while the incumbent lawmaker recorded zero votes.
Some party members who spoke during the exercise attributed Tijani’s poor outing to what they described as weak grassroots connection, poor legislative performance, and disconnect from the party structure.
The APC primary elections, which commenced across the country on Saturday, are aimed at producing candidates for various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming General Election.
Meanwhile, reports from across Kwara State suggest that aspirants such as Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya in Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye in Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, and Abdulquawiy Olododo in Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency are recording impressive performances in their respective contests.
The primary elections in the state have largely been described as peaceful, orderly, and transparent by party members and observers.