Akin Rotimi wins APC Reps Primary in Ekiti North I, defeats Bimbo Daramola

Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency after securing victory in 22 out of the 24 wards in the constituency.

The keenly contested primary featured nine aspirants, including former House of Representatives member, Bimbo Daramola, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, Gbenga Joseph, Prince Ayorinde Ejioye and Engr. Ayo Omotosho.

Rotimi, who is the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, secured a decisive mandate to fly the APC flag ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ahead of the primary, three aspirants — Chief Mrs. Funke Owoseni, Mr. Kayode Omoboya and Barr. Yemi Ayodele Ayeni — stepped down from the race and endorsed Rotimi’s reelection bid.

The endorsement came shortly after a major constituency-wide stakeholders’ gathering involving chairmen of the eight local government areas and Local Council Development Areas, councillors, ward chairmen, youth leaders, women leaders and other party stakeholders across Ekiti State.

The stakeholders endorsed the incumbent lawmaker, describing his representation as accessible, consistent and result-driven.

The outcome also reinforces the growing political dominance of Rotimi within the constituency, especially after defeating Bimbo Daramola in the 2023 general election.

Daramola, who represented the constituency in the 7th Assembly before leaving office in 2015, has made several unsuccessful attempts to return to the National Assembly.

Rep. Rotimi currently serves as the spokesperson of the House of Representatives and has gained prominence in the 10th Assembly through his legislative engagements, public communication strategy and participation in national policy debates.

The APC primary election was conducted peacefully and ended with a clear victory for the incumbent lawmaker, strengthening his position ahead of the general election cycle.