Muyiwa Daramola and the APC’s Looming Rejection in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency

As political consultations and underground mobilisations gather momentum ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, concerns are mounting over the reported endorsement of Muyiwa Daramola as the preferred candidate of the Ondo State Governor.

Across communities in Okitipupa and Irele local government areas, party loyalists and stakeholders have continued to question the political wisdom behind what many describe as an attempt to impose a candidate who allegedly lacks both grassroots acceptance and political connection with the people.

One of the major controversies surrounding Daramola is the growing allegation that he has presented himself in the public as a medical doctor despite reportedly lacking formal medical qualifications or certification in medicine. Critics argue that such claims raise serious questions about credibility and public trust, especially in a political climate where integrity and transparency remain critical factors for voters.

Political observers within the constituency insist that beyond the controversies surrounding his professional background, Daramola has also failed to establish a strong political identity within the federal constituency. Many APC members reportedly view him as a distant figure with little or no sustained engagement with ward leaders, youth groups, women associations, and community stakeholders.

There are also widespread reports that the governor has allegedly directed APC chairmen in Okitipupa and Irele local government areas to begin mobilisation efforts in support of Daramola’s ambition. However, many within the party believe such a top-down approach will face stiff resistance from party faithful who are demanding a transparent and people-driven process rather than political imposition.

Several community leaders, who spoke anonymously, were quoted as saying that Daramola is largely absent from the constituency except during election periods. According to them, he allegedly spends most of his time abroad and only returns home when political activities intensify.

“He is not connected to the grassroots. Many people in the villages and wards hardly know him beyond posters and political rumours,” a community source reportedly stated.

Another party stakeholder argued that winning elections in Okitipupa/Irele requires more than elite endorsement or government backing. According to him, the constituency demands a candidate with proven local presence, emotional connection with the people, and active involvement in community development.

Political analysts have warned that fielding a candidate perceived to lack popularity may place the APC in a vulnerable position during the general election. They argue that opposition parties are already monitoring the unfolding situation closely and may capitalise on any internal dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

Within APC circles, there are fears that insisting on Daramola’s candidacy despite growing resistance could trigger protest votes, internal sabotage, or voter apathy among party supporters who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.

Observers also point to concerns over Daramola’s limited political structure across the constituency, as critics claim Daramola lacks the ward-to-ward network required to sustain a successful electoral campaign in a politically sensitive constituency like Okitipupa/Irele.

Many party faithful now believe that the APC must tread carefully to avoid presenting a candidate who may struggle to galvanise support beyond a narrow political circle. They insist that the party’s electoral success in the constituency depends heavily on presenting a candidate with proven popularity, accessibility, and longstanding ties to the people.

For many concerned party members, the message remains clear: presenting a candidate who lacks broad acceptance may ultimately spell electoral rejection for the APC in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.