Abeokuta South Federal Constituency: Key Players Vie for Seat in Ogun State

The Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in Ogun State is set to witness a fierce battle for the seat in the upcoming 2023 elections. The constituency, known for its strategic political importance, has been represented by several notable politicians, including Dimeji Bankole, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. The current representative, Lanre Edun, will not be returning to the Green Chamber after losing his party's ticket.

Key Takeaways:

• Moruf Afuape, aka Afoo, is the immediate past commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a strong contender for the seat. He has held several political positions, including Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, and has a strong grassroots appeal.
• Afoo was also the Special Adviser (Political) to Bankole when he was Reps Speaker and has been campaigning for the seat for the third time.
• Mikky Kazim, a grassroots politician and strong member of the Amosun political family, is another key contender. He decamped to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in 2019 and switched to Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, which his maternal family hails from.
• Kazim enjoys the backing of Amosun despite party differences, but his switching of political base may affect his chances at the poll.
• Toyin Amuzu, a new entrant, is a realtor, entrepreneur, and founder of the Toyin Amuzu Foundation, which has carried out support projects for the residents of Abeokuta. However, the endless crises rocking the PDP may affect his chances at the poll.
• Tolulope Phillips, popularly known as TP, holds the ticket of Labour Party for the constituency. A Federal High Court judgement ordered INEC to recognise his name and others who won Labour Party tickets in the state, securing his spot on the ballot.

Statistics:

• The Abeokuta South Federal Constituency has one local government area and the third-largest voting population in Ogun State.
• The constituency has been a battleground for political parties during governorship polls, with parties vying for control to boost their chances of winning.
• Moruf Afuape has held several political positions, including Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, and Special Adviser (Political) to Dimeji Bankole.
• Mikky Kazim represented Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2019 on the platform of APC.
• Toyin Amuzu lost the PDP House of Assembly primaries in 2018 and has been carrying out support projects for the residents of Abeokuta through his foundation.

Sources:

• "Location, strong political history, voting population and many more are the attributes that make Abeokuta South Federal Constituency stand out as one of the strategic constituencies in Ogun State." (Source: Unknown)
• "The constituency was represented by Dimeji Bankole, the former speaker of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2011." (Source: Unknown)
• "Moruf Afuape was the immediate past commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and one of Governor Dapo Abiodun's men." (Source: Unknown)
• "A Federal High Court judgement ordered INEC to recognise all the parliamentary candidates of Labour Party in the state." (Source: Punch.ng, "Labour Party wins case against INEC in Ogun")
• "Toyin Amuzu lost the PDP House of Assembly primaries in 2018." (Source: The Cable, "Toyin Amuzu loses PDP House of Assembly primaries")