Constituents of Ikole Constituency II in Ekiti State have endorsed the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement followed a series of meetings and consultations among leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the constituency, culminating in widespread support for the Speaker at both ward and constituency levels.
At a meeting of APC stakeholders held in Ado-Ekiti earlier in the week, party leaders unanimously adopted Aribasoye as their preferred candidate to represent Ikole Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly for another term.
Prominent leaders at the meeting included Chief Alaba Abejide, Chief Ola Adeniyi, Chief Ranti Adebisi, Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae, Chief Raphael Agbana, and Akinwale Adeyeye.
Moving the motion for Aribasoye’s endorsement, Chief Akin-Fasae, a Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor, cited the Speaker’s legislative achievements and representation of the constituency as justification for the decision.
The motion was seconded by former governorship aspirant Chief Ranti Adebisi, who praised the lawmaker’s performance as Speaker of the 7th Assembly, describing him as a leader who enjoys the confidence of his constituents.
In a similar development, APC members in Ward 8, Odo-Ayedun, also endorsed Aribasoye during a meeting attended by party faithful and supporters over the weekend.
The endorsement motion was moved by ward leader Chief Sesan Iyunade and seconded by female leader Alhaja Funso Aladetuyi, shortly after the ward chairman, Mr. Gbemi Adeleye, formally received new defectors into the party.
Speaking after the endorsement, Aribasoye expressed appreciation to party leaders and constituents for the confidence reposed in him, promising not to take their support for granted.
“I am deeply honoured by this overwhelming endorsement. I see it as a rare privilege which I do not take for granted. It is not because I am the best or the most perfect, but a reflection of the goodwill, support, and favour I have received from you all and through the grace of God,” he said.
The Speaker, who also addressed supporters at his country home in Odo-Ayedun, urged constituents to work towards ensuring the re-election of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, while also supporting his own return to the Assembly.
According to him, the governor deserves commendation for his developmental strides and for showing interest in the progress of Ikole Local Government Area.
Aribasoye also visited other wards within the constituency, including Odo-Oro Ward 6, Oke-Ayedun Ward 10, and Odo-Ayedun/Ayebode Ward 9, where party members reiterated their support for his re-election bid.
Several constituents who spoke during the meetings attributed their endorsement to what they described as the Speaker’s effective legislative leadership and constituency development efforts.