APC Reps Primaries: Contest Hots Up In Ekiti

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries were held across the six federal constituencies of Ekiti State, with party members conducting themselves peacefully during the exercise.

The state chapter of the party had adopted the direct primary mode to elect its National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Our correspondent, who visited some major towns across the three senatorial districts of the state to monitor the process, observed a heavy presence of security agents, including personnel of the Police, NDLEA, NSCDC and other agencies at various voting points to maintain law and order.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also on hand to monitor the exercise.

Some of the towns visited include Ado-Ekiti, Iyin, Igbemo, Iworoko (Central), Ijan, Aisegba-Ekiti (South), and Ire-Ekiti (North).

The shadow elections, which were held in all 177 wards of the state, started as early as 9 a.m. and ended between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in most of the towns visited.

However, there were minor skirmishes in places such as Ilawe, Ikere and Ado-Ekiti, among others.

In Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, the serving federal lawmaker, Hon. Fatoba Olusola Steve, slugged it out with about five other contestants.

Also, in Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency, the incumbent, Hon. Adeniyi Rufus Ojuawo, contested against two other aspirants.

For Emure/Gbonyin/Ekiti East Federal Constituency, Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile, who is seeking re-election, is in the race with two others, including a member of the State House of Assembly.

In Ido/Osi/Moba/Ilejemeje Federal Constituency, Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, a former representative of the constituency, and one other aspirant contested the election.

For Ijero/Ekiti West/Efon Federal Constituency, the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Francis Abiodun Omoleye, contested the seat with a commissioner in the state and another aspirant.

In Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr. contested against two other aspirants, including a former representative of the constituency.

Some of the new entrants were said to be taking an early lead, while a few incumbent lawmakers were also in line to secure the party ticket.

As of the time of filing this report, the cumulative results of votes polled by each of the contestants had yet to be made available to journalists.

Efforts to get an assessment of the exercise from the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Segun Dipe, were unsuccessful, as his phone line remained busy.