Engineer Olaoluwa Dawodu, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress for the House of Representatives seat in Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, has formally stepped down from the race, declaring his support for the incumbent lawmaker, Akintunde Rotimi Jr., in a move widely seen as a strategic effort to preserve party unity ahead of critical elections in the state.
Dawodu, in a detailed statement issued on Tuesday, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders, mentors, and key stakeholders, as well as a personal engagement with Rotimi, which he described as frank, reflective, and rooted in a shared commitment to public service and the development of Ekiti State.
He disclosed that his conversation with the incumbent lawmaker lasted close to ninety minutes, during which both men examined their political journeys, exchanged ideas on governance, and explored pathways for strengthening representation and delivering sustainable development to the people of Ikole and Oye local government areas.
According to him, the engagement revealed a strong alignment in vision, particularly in the areas of unity, purposeful leadership, and people oriented governance, a development he noted reinforced his confidence in Rotimi’s capacity to continue delivering effective representation for the constituency.
The APC aspirant stated that his withdrawal from the contest was not borne out of weakness or external pressure, but rather a conscious and deliberate sacrifice of personal ambition in the interest of party cohesion and the collective good of the constituency at a politically sensitive time.
“I write today with a deep sense of responsibility to my people and our great party to formally announce my decision to step down from the race for the House of Representatives seat for Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency.
_This decision has not come lightly. However, after careful reflection and extensive consultation, I have chosen to sacrifice my personal ambition for the greater good of our constituency and the unity of our party._
_With the governorship election fast approaching just 32 days after our party primaries, it is imperative that we proceed without rancour and present a united, formidable front to secure victory for our party and our candidate, H.E. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.”_ He stated
He emphasized that with the governorship election in Ekiti State scheduled to hold barely thirty two days after the party primaries, it had become imperative for party stakeholders to avoid internal divisions that could weaken the APC’s electoral chances and instead present a united front capable of securing victory.
Dawodu therefore announced his full endorsement of Rotimi, describing the lawmaker as a committed public servant with a demonstrable record in legislative engagement, constituency outreach, and effective representation at the National Assembly.
He noted that as one of the younger members of the Ekiti caucus in the National Assembly, Rotimi had distinguished himself through proactive lawmaking and sustained engagement with constituents, adding that continuity in representation would serve the best interest of the people at this critical period.
The aspirant further pointed out that both he and Rotimi belong to the same political family and share a common ideological orientation anchored on accountability, service delivery, and people centered development, which he said made his decision both logical and necessary.
While stepping down from the race, Dawodu clarified that his action should not be interpreted as a retreat from politics or public service, but rather a strategic redirection of his efforts towards other avenues through which he could continue to contribute to the growth of the party and the advancement of Ekiti State.
“In this regard, I am pleased to wholeheartedly endorse the incumbent, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, Jr.. I have taken time to study his record of service, his legislative engagements, and his commitment to the development of our constituency_
_I can confidently attest to his clear vision, dedication to public service, and his capacity to consolidate on the progress already made. As the youngest member of the current Ekiti National Assembly delegation, I can further affirm that he has done creditably well in representation, legislative affairs, and constituency outreach._
_We are products of the same political family and share a common ideological foundation rooted in service, accountability, and people-centered development. It is on this basis that I believe continuity at this time best serves the interest of our people._
_Let me be clear: this decision is not a withdrawal from service. Rather, it is a strategic pivot. I remain fully committed to exploring other avenues through which I can continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our party and the development of our dear state.
He called on his supporters, political associates, and members of his campaign structure to align with his decision by rallying behind Akin Rotimi, urging them to work assiduously towards ensuring a peaceful primary process and eventual victory for the APC in both the legislative and governorship elections.
Dawodu also expressed profound appreciation to his supporters and members of what he described as the EOD political family, acknowledging their loyalty, encouragement, and unwavering belief in his vision throughout the course of his campaign
He maintained that their support had been instrumental in shaping his political journey and assured them that their contributions would not be taken for granted as he continues to pursue avenues for meaningful service to the people.
Meanwhile some political insiders in Ekiti State have described Dawodu’s decision as a significant development within the APC, noting that such gestures of consensus building and voluntary sacrifice could play a crucial role in stabilizing the party and enhancing its electoral strength in the forthcoming polls.
They further argued that in a political climate often characterized by intense rivalry and fragmentation, Dawodu’s move represents a rare demonstration of party loyalty and strategic thinking, which may set a precedent for other aspirants across the state.