In a move aimed at dousing rising tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, a prominent women’s leader and party chieftain, Mrs. Comfort Akinboyo, has debunked reports claiming she endorsed Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola as her preferred aspirant for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency seat.
A recent report had suggested that Mrs. Akinboyo and other grassroots mobilisers had openly thrown their support behind Dr. Daramola, a US-based medical practitioner and philanthropist.
The report quoted her as describing him as “well-trained” and capable of delivering quality representation if elected. Another supporter, Mr. Kuye Olakunle of Igbotako Ward II, reportedly said: “DoD is one of us. We are with him. He is different from other politicians around us. He is very humble, approachable, and accessible.”
An octogenarian from Ode-Erinje, Mrs. Bosede Akinola, was also quoted as praising Daramola’s credentials, insisting the constituency needed someone who had “shown capacity and succeeded in his chosen profession.”
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Mrs. Akinboyo distanced herself from the claims, insisting she had not endorsed any aspirant ahead of the 2026/2027 election cycle. Describing the report as “premature and misleading,” she maintained that her admiration for Dr. Daramola’s activism must not be mistaken for an official endorsement.
She emphasised the importance of adhering to directives of APC leadership at both state and national levels, noting that the party had yet to activate the processes that would culminate in campaign activities. With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yet to approve the commencement of political campaigns, she said discussions about endorsements were “unnecessary and out of place.”
According to her, endorsements should only come after aspirants have purchased and submitted their expression of interest and nomination forms—an important step that signals readiness and seriousness.
Her clarification comes amid concerns from other aspirants in the constituency, many of whom reportedly reached out to her seeking clarification over the alleged endorsement.
In her words, “As a dedicated women’s leader and a respected figure within the APC, it has come to my attention that there are claims suggesting I have endorsed Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola as my preferred candidate for the House of Representatives in the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.
“While I admire Dr. Daramola’s character and his commitment to grassroots activism, I have not officially endorsed him or any other candidate at this time. It is vital for the integrity of our party that we provide equal opportunity for all aspirants to showcase their abilities without predetermined biases.
“The directives of our party leadership remain paramount. With INEC yet to sanction the start of campaigns, it is too early to discuss endorsements. Such decisions are more appropriate after aspirants have obtained and submitted their expression of interest forms, which will help us assess their seriousness.
“While I hold Dr. Daramola in high regard, my recognition of his commendable qualities does not amount to an endorsement.”
Similarly, Mrs. Bosede Akinola, a chieftain of the APC in Okitipupa Local Government, also dissociated herself from reports suggesting she had endorsed Dr. Daramola.
In her own statement, she said, “While it is true that I know Dr. Daramola and did attest to his character as a good individual, I must emphasise that I have not formally endorsed him or any other aspirant at this time.
“It is vital for me as a leader to ensure that all aspirants are provided with a level playing field. Each candidate deserves the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities without premature endorsements clouding the process.
“The leadership decisions of the APC, both at the state and federal levels, are supreme. It is too early to declare any endorsements, especially as INEC has yet to approve political campaigns.”
Mrs. Akinola added that her acknowledgement of Dr. Daramola’s good character had been misconstrued and should not be interpreted as an endorsement, noting that she had received numerous inquiries from other aspirants.
Both women urged party members to prioritise unity, fairness, and healthy competition as the political season draws closer.
