A major political twist emerged from Ekiti State on Sunday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Primary Election Committee for the state declared the House of Representatives primary for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 inconclusive. This decision significantly impacts the political future of the incumbent House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, who was a leading contender in the keenly watched contest.
The committee chairman, Wasiu Adedoyin, made the pronouncement in Ado-Ekiti, attributing the inconclusive status to “unresolved issues” and “pockets of crisis” that marred the exercise in some voting areas. This development came just a day after the APC conducted its nationwide House of Representatives primary elections on Saturday, a crucial step for aspirants seeking to represent their constituencies under the party’s banner.
Interestingly, shortly after the primaries, Mr. Rotimi had released a statement from his National Assembly office in Abuja, confidently asserting his victory in the Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency. He claimed a “decisive victory” across 22 out of the 24 wards within the constituency. However, the committee’s official declaration directly contradicts his earlier assertion, adding a layer of suspense to the constituency’s political landscape.
In other outcomes across the state, the primaries proved challenging for some experienced politicians. Mr. Adedoyin confirmed that three serving members of the House of Representatives failed to secure their return tickets. These lawmakers are Rufus Ojuawo, a retired air vice marshal, Kolawole Akinlayo, and Biodun Omoleye. Conversely, two other incumbent federal lawmakers, Femi Bamisile and Steve Fatoba, successfully clinched their tickets, ensuring their continued presence on the legislative platform.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the results for the other five federal constituencies, Mr. Adedoyin announced the following:
In Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, Mr. Fatoba emerged victorious with an impressive 8,943 votes, overcoming his closest rival, Ayodele Oluwafemi, who garnered 4,122 votes. For Ekiti Central II Federal Constituency, Oladapo Karounwi was declared the winner, polling 6,573 votes to defeat Victor Kolade, who secured 2,096 votes.
The Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 primary saw Toyin Okoro dominate with 9,798 votes, defeating the aforementioned Rufus Ojuawo, who managed 1,842 votes. In Ekiti South II Federal Constituency, Femi Bamisile secured his ticket with 4,379 votes, triumphing over Tinubu Richard, who polled 1,581 votes. Lastly, Olanrewaju Ibrahim was declared the winner for Ekiti North II Federal Constituency, receiving 6,856 votes, while Kolawole Akinlayo trailed with 2,102 votes.
Regarding the Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, which comprises Oye and Ikole local government areas, Chairman Adedoyin stressed that no results would be announced due to the “unresolved issues” and the fact that the process was not fully concluded. He further explained that the matter would now be escalated to the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s highest decision-making body, to determine the next line of action. This could involve sending another committee to conclude the exercise or directing the current one to return.
“As you are aware, there are six federal constituencies in Ekiti State. The election in Ekiti North 1, which comprises Oye and Ikole local government areas, will be handled by the National Working Committee because pockets of crisis occurred in some wards yesterday, and the process could not be completed,” Mr. Adedoyin stated. He emphasized, “As a result of that, I will not be announcing any results for the federal constituency. Note that there is no rerun in the timetable given to us. It is the National Working Committee that will decide what to do next.”
Mr. Adedoyin reiterated that the committee would strictly adhere to its mandate, especially with the party’s Senate primaries slated for Monday. He urged all party members and stakeholders within Oye and Ikole local government areas to patiently await further directives from the NWC concerning the completion of the primary exercise in their constituency. This period of uncertainty highlights the often-turbulent nature of internal party elections within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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