The 2027 general elections promise to be one of the most interesting electoral contests in Nigeria’s recent political history. Political parties are already adjusting to the realities of the amended electoral Acts — acts designed to strengthen internal democracy, enhance transparency and discourage arbitrary imposition of candidates.
One major highlight of the new order is the growing emphasis on wider party participation in candidate emergence. The gradual departure from heavily controlled delegate dominance signals a shift toward broader membership influence in determining party flag bearers. This change reduces the power of a few individuals deciding for tens of thousands of party supporters and moves the process closer to grassroots decision-making.
Had such Electoral Acts been firmly applied earlier, it might have altered the dramatic dynamics of the 2022 primary election in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency. However, politics evolves, and the constituency now heads into a new electoral chapter where acceptability, accessibility and organic political relationships will matter more than elite negotiations of imposition and delegates abracadabra.
The political atmosphere in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency ahead of 2027 is already drawing attention among political stakeholders. The aftermath of the 2023 election cycle has left a competitive environment where multiple aspirants are positioning themselves for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Interestingly, many of the aspirants share similar political roots and networks, but current analysis suggest that the race may ultimately narrow to two prominent figures in the federal constituency— Akinola Kazeem Akinola and Akin Alabi, the present occupier running his two term. This raises a central question: who best fits the constituency in terms of grassroots connection, relevance, availability and local understanding?
Debates about rotational representation between the two local governments in the federal constituency continue to surface. While the principle of fairness is important in political balance, competence and effectiveness remain equally critical in democratic representation.
Representation at the National Assembly today demands not only popularity but also emotional intelligence, accessibility to constituents and a deep understanding of traditional and community structures. Within this context, Akinola Kazeem is often viewed by supporters as possessing strong grassroots familiarity and interpersonal engagement across community levels. His political interactions, they argue, reflect a style rooted in consultation and relationship-building — factors increasingly valuable under a voter-driven internal party process.
The evolving electoral system places greater weight on credibility among party members rather than only elite endorsements through delegates votes, through delegates votes. In such a design, candidates with established community relationships and relevance may enjoy an advantage because party supporters themselves now play a stronger role in shaping the party’s eventual standard-bearer.
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As 2027 approaches, the Egbeda/Ona-Ara contest will likely test how effectively aspirants convert popularity into structured political support within the party. Ultimately, the decision will rest with party members and voters, but the new electoral system ensures that the process leading to that decision may be more participatory than ever before.
In this emerging political reality, the party’s best chance may lie with a candidate whose strength is not merely name recognition but consistent engagement with constituents. Supporters of Akinola Kazeem argue that his accessibility, familiarity with community dynamics and demonstrated understanding of local concerns position him as a unifying figure capable of consolidating party support across wards and interest groups. At a time when elections are increasingly influenced by grassroots acceptance rather than elite arrangements, presenting a candidate perceived as approachable, responsive and locally grounded could enhance party unity and electoral competitiveness. For these reasons, many believe Akinola Kazeem represents a strategic and practical choice for the party heading into the 2027 contest.
Akintunde Yusuf writes from Egbeda Local Government, Oyo State
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