Rotimi Defends Ekiti APC Primary Credibility, Debunks Reports Claiming He Declares Self Winner

… Touts ‘ROLE’ Scorecard, Cites Over 40 Bills

By Joseph Sunday 

Honourable Akin Rotimi has defended the credibility of the primary election to the House of Representatives held on Saturday by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency 2 in Ekiti State, and debunked reports claiming he declared himself winner, pledging his commitment to await official confirmation and announcement from the party.

He used the opportunity to give a detailed insight into his scorecard he tagged the “ROLE”, and citing over 40 bills sponsored by him.

Speaking after the exercise, Rotimi said collated results from ward level showed he won decisively in all 24 wards of the constituency. 

He thanked God and commended the APC for upholding internal democracy, noting that over 3,000 aspirants nationwide purchased forms for 366 legislative seats — a sign of confidence in the party’s process.

Rotimi, who serves as House Spokesperson, described the outcome as an “affirmation” of his constituents’ trust in his first term record. 

He summed up his agenda as the “ROLE” model: Representation, Oversight, Legislative Affairs, and Empowerment.

Representation: He said he facilitated more than 40 federal jobs for his constituents across at least 12 federal agencies, while also sponsoring motions and public petitions on issues affecting Oye/Ikole.  

Oversight: As Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs — one of seven special committees — he explained that his role exempts him from the 12-committee limit, allowing him to sit on over 50 committees to strengthen oversight of ministries and agencies.

Legislative Affairs: Rotimi noted he has sponsored more than 40 bills at various stages. Key proposals include Independent Candidacy, Multilayer Policing/State Police, conversion of Ekiti LCDAs to full local governments, and the Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions Prohibition Bill, which now awaits presidential assent.

Empowerment: He listed ongoing projects including a School for Children with Special Needs in Imojo Ekiti, a Motherless Babies’ Home in Itapa Ekiti, a Youth Development Centre in Ikole-Ekiti, and two completed roads in Odo-Ayedun and Itapa Ekiti.

Responding to questions about the credibility of Saturday’s primary, Rotimi said he had not seen any official complaints from other contenders. 

He pointed out that journalists and INEC officials were present in the 24 wards, with video evidence and ward returns available. 

He added that outlets like Premium Times and The Punch reported the process as it was ongoing ahead of the party’s official announcement. “If anyone says the primaries were not well conducted, they should bring evidence through proper party channels,” he said.

Rotimi acknowledged broad endorsements ahead of the vote. He said Governor Biodun Oyebanji, all 24 ward party executives, local government and LCDA chairmen, and political office holders backed him. Three or four aspirants also withdrew to endorse him, though the primary proceeded as required by the Electoral Act since other aspirants stayed in the race. 

He expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his mentorship since 2010, and also acknowledged support from former Governor Kayode Fayemi and other APC national leaders.

On Monday’s Ekiti North Senatorial primary, Rotimi declined to endorse any of the four aspirants — incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi, former Senator Ayo Arise, Otunba Dare Owolabi, and Engineer Dipo Bamisaye. Citing the sensitivity of his role as House Spokesperson, he said: “They are all extremely competent… the people will decide.”