A socio-political group, Ikere Unity and Advancement Forum, has called on leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Okeruku ward and Ikere local government to ensure fairness and internal harmony by allowing Prince Abiodun Adetimehin Omo’luabi to emerge as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives seat.

The Forum specifically appealed to former Deputy Governor, Prof. Olusola Eleka, to prevail on his younger brother, who is also aspiring to the same position, to step down in the interest of equity and party unity.

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In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr. Ezekiel Olowo, and Secretary, Mr. Tunde Sulaiman, the group described the current situation, where two aspirants from the same Okeruku Ward in Ikere Ekiti are jostling for the same ticket, as “unfair, insensitive, and politically unwise.”

According to the Forum, Adetimehin’s earlier ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014 was thwarted on the grounds that the same ward could not produce both the Deputy Governor and a federal lawmaker at the same time, a situation that favoured Prof. Eleka who was then in office.

“It is disturbing that the same principle of fairness that was used to deny Prince Adetimehin a legitimate opportunity in 2014 is now being ignored under the ADC,” Ajanaku said.

The group noted that Prof. Eleka also contested the governorship election under the ADC in 2025 from the same ward but lost to Ambassador Dare Bejide, stressing that it would be unjust for his family to continue to dominate the political space at the expense of others within the ward.

“Okeruku Ward is not the exclusive preserve of any single family. It is therefore unfair, unjust, and even immoral for another member of the same family to now seek to occupy the House of Representatives seat, especially when there are other qualified individuals within the ward,” Sulaiman stated.

The Forum warned that allowing two aspirants from the same ward to proceed to a primary election for a constituency comprising three local governments and over 30 wards could create unnecessary division within the party.

“It will be politically insensitive for the ward to present multiple aspirants in a contest of this magnitude. Party leaders must act swiftly to prevent avoidable disunity,” the statement added.

The group further appealed to Prof. Eleka, whom it described as a respected leader and pastor, to demonstrate statesmanship by guiding the process toward fairness.

“As a leader and a man of faith, Prof. Eleka is expected to uphold justice and equity. We urge him to prevail on his younger brother to step down and support Prince Adetimehin in the overall interest of the party,” Ajanaku said.

The Forum also alleged that Prof. Eleka had previously given his word to support Adetimehin’s ambition, making the current situation more troubling.

“It is on record that Prof. Eleka had assured Prince Adetimehin of his support. To now appear neutral or withdraw that support in a manner that suggests otherwise raises serious moral concerns,” Sulaiman noted.

Reaffirming its position, the Forum maintained that Adetimehin remains the most suitable candidate for the ticket, citing his political experience, grassroots support, and longstanding commitment to public service.

The group concluded by urging ADC stakeholders to prioritise justice, fairness, and unity in their decision-making process ahead of the party primaries.