Ondo APC Reps Aspirant Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi Dismisses Critics Over Grassroots Support

Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ile-Oluji Oke-Igbo Odigbo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, has dismissed claims that she lacks sufficient grassroots support to win the general elections. She doesn't think she lacks support - she's well known across the constituency through years of community engagement and empowerment initiatives. Fajemirokun-Ajayi insisted that she's remained well known across the constituency.

According to her, she's consistently maintained close contact with residents through youth and women empowerment programmes, educational support schemes, and stakeholder engagements across the constituency. The policy strategist and development advocate maintained that the outcome of the APC primary reflected the mood at the grassroots. She noted that delegates and party structures involved in the process represented the same mobilisation base used during general elections - they're the ones who know the area best.

Fajemirokun-Ajayi also addressed recent media attention surrounding her past advocacy against alleged workplace harassment. She said women shouldn't be punished for speaking out against misconduct - it's not fair. She expressed appreciation to women groups, youth organisations, religious bodies, and other stakeholders in the constituency for their support - she's grateful for it.

“My godfathers are the people on the streets, the grassroots, party executives and members who went door-to-door to mobilise votes. Those are my godfathers.”

Speaking on the controversy trailing the APC House of Representatives primary election in Ondo State, Fajemirokun-Ajayi said results collated by her supporters and agents showed strong grassroots backing for her aspiration. She added that transparency is critical to strengthening democracy and public trust - it's essential. Transparency helps to build trust - and that's what's needed.

Fajemirokun-Ajayi noted that women in Nigeria continue to face structural, cultural, and financial barriers in politics. They're often subjected to intimidation, exclusion from decision-making processes, and online harassment - it's not easy for them. Women seeking elective positions are often subjected to different standards from their male counterparts - it's unfair.

The former Senior Special Assistant on Strategy, Investment and Partnership to former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said her ambition is driven by service, representation, and inclusive governance. She identified youth empowerment, women inclusion, education, entrepreneurship, and strengthening local economic opportunities as key priorities if elected into the National Assembly - they're what matter most. She wants to focus on these areas - they're crucial.

The founder of Read2Succeed Africa said politics should focus on addressing the everyday concerns of Nigerians. These concerns include jobs, education, security, and economic opportunities - they're what Nigerians worry about. She also called on political leaders to uphold fairness, accountability, and greater inclusion of women in governance - it's the right thing to do.