By Mercy Aikoye
Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. won the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, securing the party’s ticket ahead of the next general election.
Rotimi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, won in 22 of the 24 wards across Ikole and Oye Local Government Areas.
The primary was keenly contested, with Rotimi defeating nine aspirants, including former lawmaker Bimbo Daramola, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, and Engr. Ayo Omotosho.
Ahead of the exercise, three aspirants Chief Mrs. Funke Owoseni, Kayode Omoboya, and Barr. Yemi Ayeni stepped down from the race and endorsed the incumbent.
A party source said the trio publicly declared support for Rotimi’s re-election bid before the commencement of voting.
Two days before the primary, stakeholders from across the constituency organised a large endorsement gathering in support of Rotimi.
The event was attended by chairmen of eight local government areas and local council development areas, alongside councillors, ward chairmen, women leaders, and youth representatives.
Speakers at the event described his representation as “steady, accessible, and results-oriented.”
Political observers say the outcome reflects Rotimi’s growing influence and grassroots support within the constituency.
Bimbo Daramola, who last served in the House in 2015, has made multiple attempts to return to the National Assembly, including the 2023 election in which he was defeated by Rotimi.
That victory was widely seen as a turning point that strengthened Rotimi’s hold on the constituency.
Rotimi currently serves as spokesperson of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.
He has gained national visibility through legislative communication, constituency engagement, and active participation in public discourse.
His supporters say this has strengthened both his legislative profile and political standing within the APC.
The primary election was conducted peacefully, with party members describing the process as transparent and competitive.
