By Dr Rasaq Lamidi
Recent reports circulating in some political circles suggesting that another aspirant has emerged as the “preferred consensus candidate” for Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections are, with due respect, misleading, speculative, and clearly disconnected from the political realities on ground.
While every aspirant has the constitutional right to seek elective office, it is important to separate political ambition from political acceptability, and propaganda from verifiable facts.
For the avoidance of doubt, all available indications within the APC structure, consultations among critical stakeholders, and the recurring appearance of names on various reported consensus permutations over the past months consistently point to one individual as the most preferred, most acceptable, and most formidable candidate for the constituency — Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina.
The Reality of Party Consultations and Consensus Discussions
Politics thrives on perception, influence, acceptability, structure, and electoral viability. Over the last two months, no fewer than four different lists and political permutations regarding possible consensus candidates within the APC have reportedly surfaced. In all those consultations and arrangements, the name consistently associated with Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency is Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina.
Significantly, no other name has reportedly appeared in that strategic position across those permutations. This reality alone should guide the public against misinformation and politically motivated narratives intended to create confusion within the constituency.
The truth remains that Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina enjoys enormous goodwill within the APC, commands respect across the constituency, and possesses the political experience, grassroots connection, and electoral value needed for the party to reclaim and retain the seat convincingly in 2027.
A Ranking Lawmaker-in-Waiting with Massive Advantages for Ibarapa
One major factor distinguishing Hon. Dr. Muraina from others in the race is his legislative experience and political maturity. Having previously served three terms in the House of Representatives, he stands in a strategic position to return as a ranking member of the Green Chamber.
This is not a minor advantage.
A ranking lawmaker naturally commands greater influence in committee assignments, constituency projects, federal appointments, and national negotiations. Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North, Oyo State, and indeed the APC stand to benefit immensely from this advantage if Dr. Muraina returns to the National Assembly.
Constituents are increasingly aware that effective representation goes beyond occupying a seat. It requires experience, influence, relationships, and the ability to attract development — qualities Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina has demonstrated repeatedly over the years.
Even Outside Office, Muraina Never Abandoned the People
Perhaps the strongest evidence of Hon. Muraina’s popularity and acceptability lies in his unwavering commitment to the people despite not holding elective office since 2023.
While many politicians disappear immediately after elections, Hon. Dr. Muraina continued to invest heavily in the welfare and empowerment of the people across Ibarapa land.
Between 2023 and now, he has carried out several landmark empowerment programmes touching virtually every sector of society:
• Empowerment of over 500 beneficiaries with 400 grinding machines, 100 motorcycles, and 6 tricycles.
• Training and empowerment of 50 residents in soap-making production.
• Empowerment of over 300 artisans and farmers with sewing machines, hair-drying machines, and weed sprayers.
• Training and empowerment of over 100 residents in paint production.
• Empowerment support for frontline traditional rulers across the federal constituency with deep freezers, grinding machines, and other valuable items.
• Training and empowerment of food vendors on health and safety standards.
• Facilitation of several solar-powered borehole projects across communities within the constituency.
• Consistent financial support for APC zonal activities and grassroots mobilisation.
These are not mere political promises. They are verifiable interventions carried out while he was not occupying public office.
This reality sharply contrasts with the performance of the current representation, which many constituents believe has fallen far below expectations in terms of visible empowerment and grassroots impact.
Electoral Strength and Political Structure Across Ibarapa
Beyond goodwill and philanthropy, Hon. Dr. Muraina possesses perhaps the strongest grassroots political structure within the constituency.
Coming from Igbo Ora — a town with seven of the ten wards in Ibarapa Central Local Government and a significantly larger voting population — Dr. Muraina enjoys a naturally strategic electoral advantage. However, his strength is not limited to his hometown alone.
Historically, Hon. Dr. Muraina has consistently demonstrated broad-based acceptance across the constituency, including in Idere (where contestant such as Sarafa Olaoniye comes from). Electoral records over the years show his repeated victories in the three wards in Idere, even during contests against candidates originating from the town itself. This he has consistently demonstrated without alignment with the likes of Sarafa Olaoniye.
This clearly shows that his support base cuts across local sentiments, personal affiliations, and political divisions.
His acceptance is rooted in long-term relationships, service, accessibility, and sustained grassroots engagement.
The APC Needs a Proven Winner, Not Political Experimentation
As the 2027 elections approach, APC members and stakeholders understand the importance of presenting a candidate capable of uniting the party, mobilising voters, and winning convincingly at the polls.
Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina remains widely regarded as that candidate.
His political experience, established structure, ranking advantage, philanthropic interventions, grassroots popularity, and sustained support for constituents place him far ahead in terms of preparedness and electoral viability.
The people of Ibarapa are politically conscious and increasingly determined to support a candidate with a proven record of service, accessibility, and commitment to development.
For many constituents, the coming election represents an opportunity to reward years of consistent support, empowerment, and leadership demonstrated by Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina.
Conclusion
Without prejudice to the ambitions of others, Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina continues to stand out as the most experienced, most prepared, most accepted, and most strategically positioned aspirant for the seat.
His record speaks loudly.
His grassroots connection remains unmatched.
His support base continues to expand.
And across Ibarapa land, many party faithful, community leaders, artisans, youths, traders, traditional rulers, and ordinary constituents are already looking ahead to 2027 with great expectations — believing that Hon. Dr. Ajibola Muraina represents the strongest path to effective representation, renewed development, and electoral victory for the APC.
