By Gloria Ikibah
Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. has clinched a commanding victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries for Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye), sweeping 22 of the 24 wards to seal what party figures describe as a resounding constituency mandate.
The closely watched contest, which drew nine aspirants, ultimately produced a decisive outcome in favour of the incumbent lawmaker. 
Rotimi saw off a challenge led by former federal legislator Bimbo Daramola, alongside other contenders including Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, Gbenga Joseph, Prince Ayorinde Ejioye and Engr. Ayo Omotosho.
Momentum had already tilted in Rotimi’s favour in the days leading up to the vote. Three aspirants Chief Mrs. Funke Owoseni, Kayode Omoboya and Barr. Yemi Ayodele Ayeni withdrew from the race and publicly backed his re-election bid, narrowing the field and consolidating support across the constituency.
Two days before the primaries, a sweeping endorsement gathering brought together political stakeholders from across Ekiti State, including chairmen of all eight local government areas and Local Council Development Areas, councillors, ward chairmen, as well as women and youth leaders. In a joint position, they described Rotimi’s representation as “steady, accessible, and results-oriented”.
The outcome reinforces shifting political currents in Ekiti North I, where Daramola who last served in the National Assembly in 2015 has made several unsuccessful comeback attempts. He was also defeated by Rotimi in the 2023 general election, a contest widely seen as cementing the incumbent’s grassroots appeal.
Rep. Rotimi, who currently serves as the spokesperson and Chairman House Committee on Media and Publicity of the House of Representatives, has built a reputation in the 10th Assembly for his visibility in legislative affairs and structured communication of parliamentary activities. His role has placed him among the more prominent voices within the lower chamber.
Party officials said the primary election was conducted peacefully and competitively, pointing to it as evidence of internal democratic practice within the APC, while delivering what many observers view as a clear and emphatic mandate ahead of the next general election cycle.
