The political landscape in Ekiti State began taking shape for the 2027 general elections this weekend as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its House of Representatives primaries across the state.

With several high-profile contests, returning lawmakers seeking re-election, and intense grassroots mobilization across local government areas, the primaries have already triggered early political calculations within the state’s major parties.

Political observers say the APC’s approach in Ekiti reflects a broader national strategy focused on retaining experienced lawmakers while balancing internal party interests ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle.

Akin Rotimi’s Ekiti North I Primary Declared Inconclusive

One of the most closely watched contests in the state was the Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency primary involving House of Representatives spokesperson, Akintunde Rotimi.

According to The Nation report, the APC Primary Election Committee declared the exercise inconclusive following controversies and irregularities recorded in parts of the constituency.

The constituency, which covers Ikole and Oye local government areas, witnessed a keen contest involving Rotimi, former federal lawmaker Bimbo Daramola, Kemi Elebute-Halle, and other aspirants.

The committee said the APC National Working Committee (NWC) would determine the next line of action regarding the unresolved exercise.

Three Serving Lawmakers Lose Return Tickets

The APC primaries also produced major upsets, with three serving members of the House of Representatives losing their bids for re-election.

Toyin Okoro Defeats Rufus Ojuawo in Ekiti South I

In Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, which covers Ikere, Ise-Orun, and Ekiti South-West local governments, Toyin Okoro emerged victorious, defeating incumbent lawmaker Rufus Ojuawo.

According to The Nation report and The Source report, Ojuawo was among the serving lawmakers who failed to secure return tickets during the APC exercise.

Political observers describe Okoro’s emergence as one of the biggest surprises of the primaries, especially considering the influence of incumbency within the constituency.

Ibrahim Olanrewaju Unseats Kolawole Akinlayo in Ekiti North II

For Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, covering Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi local governments, Ibrahim Olanrewaju defeated incumbent lawmaker Kolawole Akinlayo.

The Sun report reported that Olanrewaju secured 6,856 votes against Akinlayo’s 2,102 votes during the primary.

Olanrewaju, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023.

His return is being interpreted by analysts as a comeback driven by longstanding grassroots structures and political alliances within the constituency.

Oladapo Karounwi Defeats Biodun Omoleye in Ekiti Central II

In Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, which comprises Ijero, Ekiti West, and Efon local governments, Oladapo Karounwi emerged victorious over incumbent lawmaker Biodun Omoleye.

According to The Sun report, Karounwi polled 6,573 votes to defeat Omoleye and Victor Kolade during the exercise.

Karounwi’s emergence is seen as another indication of the APC’s internal power realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Incumbents Who Retained Their Tickets

Olusola Fatoba Wins Ekiti Central I

In Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I, covering Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun local governments, incumbent lawmaker Olusola Fatoba retained the APC ticket.

The Sun report stated that Fatoba secured 8,943 votes to defeat rivals including Ayodele Oluwafemi, Arc. Tope Ogunleye, Pastor Olayinka, and Toyin Ojo.

Party supporters described the result as a validation of Fatoba’s grassroots network and constituency engagement.

Richard Bamisile Secures Ekiti South II Ticket

For Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, comprising Emure, Ekiti East, and Gbonyin local governments, incumbent lawmaker Richard Bamisile secured the APC ticket after defeating Teju Okuyiga.

Bamisile, a former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, remains one of the most experienced political figures within the APC structure in the state.

His victory is viewed by political observers as part of the APC’s effort to retain established grassroots politicians in strategically important constituencies.

APC Focuses on Unity Ahead of 2027

Across Ekiti State, APC stakeholders appear focused on preventing internal divisions capable of weakening the party before the general elections.

Party leaders reportedly intensified consultations and consensus-building efforts before the primaries, especially in constituencies where multiple aspirants expressed interest.

Analysts say the APC leadership in Ekiti is attempting to avoid the type of post-primary disputes that affected party cohesion in previous election cycles. However, the inconclusive outcome in Ekiti North I suggests internal tensions may still persist in some constituencies.

Opposition Parties Yet to Finalise Candidates

Attention is now shifting to opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), all of which are expected to produce candidates for the various federal constituencies in Ekiti State.

As of the time of filing this report, most opposition parties were still engaged in consultations and strategic alignments ahead of their primaries.

Political observers believe the PDP will attempt to rebuild its grassroots strength in parts of the state, while the Labour Party is expected to target younger voters and urban communities dissatisfied with traditional political structures.

Analysts also note that voter turnout, candidate popularity, and post-primary reconciliation within the major parties could significantly shape the outcome of the 2027 House of Representatives elections in the state.

Growing Stakes Ahead of the General Election

With the primaries concluded in several constituencies, attention is expected to shift toward coalition building, campaign structures, and constituency outreach.

Political stakeholders say the contests are no longer driven solely by party loyalty, but increasingly by candidates’ visibility, accessibility, and perceived performance at the grassroots level.

For the APC, retaining key constituencies in Ekiti will be viewed as critical to maintaining its dominance in the South-West ahead of the next general elections.