Ekiti North 1: Party leaders back Rotimi for re-election
Strong indications have emerged that the apex leadership of the progressive structure and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has cleared the incumbent Member representing Ekiti North
- By Ali Abbas
Strong indications have emerged that the apex leadership of the progressive structure and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has cleared the incumbent Member representing Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, Jr., to seek re-election at the party primary ahead of next years National Assembly elections.
While the party has not foreclosed the right of other aspirants to contest, this development unmistakably places Rep. Rotimi in a position of strategic advantage, setting him apart among the political actors jostling for the seat.
Ekiti’s political environment remains uniquely sensitive, with the National Assembly primaries coming up just weeks ahead of the June 2026 governorship election, a timing that heightens the need for caution and party cohesion. This proximity underscores the imperative for a carefully managed and inclusive process that preserves party unity while upholding democratic principles.
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Rotimi, widely known as AkinOmOAkin, enters the contest with a compelling blend of legislative performance, professional pedigree, and political relevance. The inspirational values-based leader has built a reputation as a top-performing lawmaker, with an impressive portfolio of bills and motions, impactful constituency projects, and empowerment initiatives, particularly prioritising vulnerable groups.
Beyond constituency service, he has played a strategic role in advancing Ekiti State’s interests at the national level. As Secretary of the Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus and a member of the House Committee on Constitution Review, among other key assignments, he has consistently aligned federal legislative efforts with the developmental priorities of the state.
Also, Rep. Rotimi is a key civil society ally in the parliament, who has been central to advancing priority legislation and is one of the key go-to persons in the parliament deemed to have the intellectual capacity, commitment, and contacts to ensure a number of legislative agendas stay on course.
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In his capacity as Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Rotimi has remained at the forefront of national discourse. He has effectively projected the legislative agenda of the House while reinforcing the policy direction of the ruling party at the federal level, consolidating his standing as a trusted voice within both parliament and the party.
At 44, Rotimi stands at a strategic intersection between the old and emerging order in Nigerian politics, bridging experience with innovation and continuity with reform. These records have earned him broad-based backing from key stakeholders across the party and government.
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His emergence as a leading voice among a new generation of political actors, defined by party loyalty yet grounded in democratic ideals such as transparency, civic engagement, and accountability, has further earned him the confidence of key stakeholders. These include the leadership of the National Assembly and influential figures within the Presidency, many of whom are supportive of his return to the 11th Assembly.
In a democratic setting, party leadership does not typically restrict participation in primaries, and in fact encourages contests. However, through extensive consultations, the direction and disposition of the leadership often become clear to serious aspirants, particularly within a system where stability and cohesion are paramount.
As political activities intensify, the signals from within the progressive structure are becoming increasingly unmistakable. While the party is yet to communicate the guidelines and mode of primaries, the prevailing sentiment points strongly toward his emergence as a consensus candidate, or potentially, an unopposed flag bearer.
It is also noteworthy that, in line with earlier counsel from party leadership urging moderation among aspirants to avoid overheating the polity ahead of the governorship election, Rep. Rotimi has maintained a disciplined posture. Despite commanding a formidable and nationally recognised communications structure, he has refrained from overt campaign activity, opting instead for quiet consultations and strategic engagement.
This measured approach has reinforced his image as a responsible party man and contributed to preserving political stability within the constituency and the state at large. Within the progressive fold, such restraint, combined with performance and loyalty, often speaks louder than rhetoric.
Should Rep. Rotimi secure the party ticket and eventually win the general election, he would be the first representative of the constituency in the 4th Republic to win reelection, effectively breaking a longstanding trend that has historically undermined the constituency’s advantage of having a ranking member in the Green Chamber.
As the build-up to the primaries continues, the momentum appears firmly in his favour.
• Abbas, a critic, wrote from Abuja
