By Roving Reporters
As 2027 draws closer, the political terrain in Akure North and South Federal Constituency is gradually heating up — not with empty promises, but with the rising tide of two formidable female political forces: Hon. Tomisin Edu Falade and Hon. Princess Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole.
Together, they are setting their sights on unseating the incumbent federal lawmaker, Hon. Derin Adesida, in what many now call the fiercest pre-election face-off in the region’s recent history.
But even more intriguing, political insiders suggest more contenders may join the ring before the dust settles — making the battle for Akure not just intense, but unpredictable.
“Adesida Must Go!” — The Unspoken Chant Gaining Ground
Derin Adesida, who rode into the National Assembly with the APC wave in 2023, is now facing intense backlash for what constituents describe as “a quiet tenure riddled with missed opportunities.” Critics say his representation has lacked visibility, impact, and direct engagement — opening the door for a new political storm to brew.
Enter Tomisin Edu Falade and Princess Omowunmi — both women with contrasting styles but one clear mission: take Akure back.
Tomisin Edu Falade: The People’s Choice, The Streets’ Voice
She walks like one of us, talks with us, and has built her influence from the ground up. Tomisin Edu Falade is no stranger to grassroots mobilisation — having empowered widows, youths, and vulnerable families long before political ambition was on the table.
She is not contesting to test popularity; she is contesting to finish what she has already started in education, empowerment, and community service. “I’m not seeking power to learn on the job — I’ve been doing the job without the power,” she said at a recent gathering.
With growing youth support and a powerful narrative of service without office, Tomisin is rallying the disenfranchised, the overlooked, and the disillusioned behind her.
Princess Omowunmi: The Loyal One with Unshaken Party Roots
If the APC must retain this federal seat, Princess Omowunmi might be its last line of defence. A woman who stayed true to the party when others danced to different tunes, she embodies loyalty — and loyalty is fast becoming a political currency voters want to cash in on.
In a climate of defections and transactional politics, Omowunmi’s principled stand during the last election cycle has earned her admiration across party lines.
Her recent engagements suggest she’s not just interested in retaining party strength, but in rebuilding trust and rekindling governance with integrity.
The Real War: Women vs Incumbency
The real battle isn’t just against Derin Adesida — it’s against the complacency of incumbency.
Both Tomisin and Omowunmi are not only questioning his legislative track record but are also pushing back against the notion that Akure must settle for a “quiet seat” in Abuja.
Residents complain about poor infrastructure, low federal presence, and a widening disconnect between the representative and the represented.
With Derin Adesida barely making headline impact or constituency waves, the women’s challenge is gaining moral and strategic momentum.
APC at a Crossroads: Who Gets the Ticket?
This battle is also tearing into the APC’s internal dynamics. With both Tomisin and Omowunmi loyal to the party and to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa but with distinct ideological bases and support blocs, the primary election could be more intense than the general.
And as political watchers anticipate even more aspirants stepping forward, the party faces a real dilemma: Will the APC reward loyalty (Omowunmi), grassroots energy (Tomisin), or play safe with the incumbent (Adesida)?
The stakes are high. Anything short of a transparent, merit-based primary could split the base, weaken the APC’s structure in Akure, and hand the opposition a golden opportunity.
What’s Next for Derin Adesida?
Derin Adesida has yet to publicly respond to the subtle but growing rejection from both high-profile challengers.
Sources within his camp claim he’s banking on federal alignment and political godfathers to secure a third term.
Another source suggested that the lawmaker might not re-contest again come 2027.
But with voters becoming more independent-minded, and social media amplifying local voices, the traditional route to power might no longer be enough.
FINAL NOTE:
Whether it is the calm revolution of Tomisin or the principled storm of Omowunmi — or another emerging voice — one thing is certain: 2027 will not be business as usual in Akure North and South.
The people are watching, the women are marching, and the seat Derin Adesida currently occupies is more threatened than ever.
As the APC prepares for what could be its most heated internal battle yet, it must resist the temptation of sentiment or superficial criteria.
At the end of the day, the party must choose the best — not the most beautiful facially, but the most prepared, most impactful, and most connected to the people.
