House of Representatives Spokesman and Secretary of the Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus, Akintunde Rotimi Jr spoke with Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on national legislative priorities, governance reforms, and politics in the Fountain of Knowledge.
It has been humbling and deeply fulfilling. The 10th House under Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has prioritised professionalism, openness, and responsiveness. We want to leave a legacy that addresses the trust deficit between Nigerians and their representatives in parliament by collectively giving meaning to our respective mandates. My role has allowed me to help project that vision, telling the story of a people-centred, reform-driven House.
Managing the balance between government communication and public accountability has been a learning curve. It requires strategic messaging that communicates legislative achievements, government initiatives, and civic opportunities to the public in a way that inspires trust and encourages engagement. The confidence of the Speaker, the collaboration of colleagues, the support of critical civil society partners, and the responsiveness of the public have made the work both challenging and immensely rewarding. It is a daily exercise in translating policy into accessible dialogue for citizens.
With the National Assembly recently resuming from the annual recess, what should Nigerians expect in terms of legislative priorities and productivity?
Nigerians should expect even greater productivity and focus. In the months ahead, we will prioritise constitutional and electoral reforms, as well as legislative efforts to address insecurity and accelerate economic recovery.
We aim to conclude over 87 constitutional amendment proposals before December, covering key areas such as devolution of powers, judicial reform, policing, and greater inclusion of women and people with disabilities. The ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act will further strengthen transparency, curb electoral violence, and make the process more inclusive and credible.
On security, we will push reforms that give states more control over community policing under federal oversight. Economic revival remains central.
Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the 10th House has considered over 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured 50 presidential assents, making it the most productive House since 1999. Citizens can therefore anticipate a legislative season that is both reform-driven and responsive to national aspirations.
Looking at Ekiti, how do you assess the political landscape ahead of the 2026 governorship election, especially as Secretary of the Ekiti National Assembly Caucus?
The 2026 governorship election in Ekiti will be shaped by performance, continuity, and consolidation. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) represents the evolution of our progressive tradition. He has been part of several administrations since 1999, serving under Otunba Niyi Adebayo from 1999 to 2003, and under Dr. Kayode Fayemi in both his terms from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. Today, he leads with humility, competence, and inclusivity.
Governor Oyebanji has brought competence, character, and compassion into the political space. He has the endorsement of all living former governors, the National Assembly Caucus under the leadership of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, traditional institutions, and party elders. That reflects inclusive leadership and consensus building.
It is unprecedented, the degree of consensus among critical Ekiti stakeholders who are solidly behind Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid. In my opinion, Ekiti people know where we are going, but it remains necessary to fulfil the democratic ritual of politics and elections.
A section of the party has expressed reservations about the statewide endorsement of the government. How do you view this dissent?
Differences in perception and ambition are normal in politics. What matters is how they are managed. Governor Oyebanji engages all tendencies, showing empathy and carrying everyone along.
While a few people may dissent, it does not diminish the broader unity and confidence in his leadership. Ambition should not override collective interest. In Ekiti APC, belief in continuity and stability outweighs temporary disagreements.
In a healthy democracy, a few dissenting voices are expected. They enrich the conversation and reflect the freedom our party upholds. What truly matters is that the overwhelming majority remain united behind Governor Oyebanji’s vision and the mission of advancing Ekiti’s development. Democracy is about numbers, and in this case, the overwhelming support is undeniable.
What factors will guarantee a free, fair, and credible primary in Ekiti, and how confident are you in the structures put in place by the APC?
Three things matter most: transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to party rules. The process set by our leadership has met these criteria. The National Working Committee, State Executive, ward structures, and Screening Committee are committed to a peaceful, credible, and participatory exercise.
The APC has also constituted a Reconciliation Committee to address post-primary grievances, showing maturity and readiness for unity. Ekiti people value order and fairness, and the APC has reflected those values. These measures show we are serious about entering the 2026 elections as a united, formidable family.
Voter registration and engagement often influence turnout. How is Ekiti ensuring there will be no apathy on election day?
Voter registration and civic engagement are crucial for meaningful participation. The Governor consistently encourages citizens to exercise their franchise and remain actively involved in governance. Collaboration between the state government, INEC, and civil society organisations has expanded registration campaigns, especially among youth and women.
Voter education drives are deployed through community platforms, traditional institutions, and youth organisations to ensure citizens understand the process and its importance. Ekiti people are politically aware, but logistics and access remain challenges. By decentralising registration points, coordinating outreach, and providing timely information, the state is fostering a culture where apathy is minimised and every eligible voter is empowered to participate fully.
How united is the party behind Governor Oyebanji, and what gives you confidence about this unity going into the primary?
The party is overwhelmingly united. Beyond APC members, Governor Oyebanji has earned the respect and trust of stakeholders across Ekiti who are not even partisan. This reflects his consistent role in the state’s trajectory, from serving as Secretary of the Committee that lobbied for the creation of Ekiti State, through successive administrations, to his current leadership.
He is seen as a bridge-builder and custodian of the progressive heritage. While a few have their ambitions, BAO is the rallying point for unity and good governance.
In the past, governorship primaries in Ekiti have been rancorous. How can the APC ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise this time?
History has taught us valuable lessons. The Governor and party leaders understand that disunity is counterproductive. The structures for this primary are deliberate, including inclusive consultations, fair screening, and a reconciliation framework.
Beyond structure, it is about fostering a political culture where fairness, transparency, and accountability are valued over personal ambition. When aspirants see the system as impartial and the process credible, tensions reduce naturally. Combined with strong party discipline, active monitoring, and a reconciliation mechanism, this is likely to be one of the most peaceful primaries in Ekiti’s political history.
What are your thoughts on the recent disqualification of Engr. Kayode Ojo from the APC governorship primary?
The party machinery at both state and national levels has ensured that our primaries meet all constitutional provisions and party guidelines, thereby preventing our eventual candidate from facing unnecessary litigations. The process has been thorough, transparent, and clearly communicated, including the reasons for Engr. Kayode Ojo’s disqualification.
Avenues for redress and reconciliation exist, reflecting our commitment to fairness. On principle, you will never see me insulting Engr. Kayode Ojo or any stakeholder because I believe they also mean well for our state and our people. They do not need to be demonised for their ambitions, even if those ambitions go against the grain of the will of the majority. I maintain civility in my public commentary and relationships across the party and beyond.
That said, given the structures on the ground and Governor Oyebanji’s overwhelming support, even if he had been cleared to contest, our dear Engr. Ojo would have been decisively defeated. I sincerely wish him well and hope he remains within the party to support Governor Oyebanji’s candidature and eventual success for a second term. I would strongly advise against needless litigations like those pursued during the last electoral cycle.
As the state prepares for the governorship poll, is the APC concerned about opposition parties like the PDP or ADC, and what will be your strategy to remain competitive?
The APC in Ekiti is not complacent, and we will not take anything for granted. Our focus is fidelity to the people and staying true to their mandate, especially those of us privileged to hold public office at this time, including the Governor, the Ekiti NASS Caucus, and the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly. Performance, accessibility, and consistent delivery will speak for themselves. When governance aligns with the aspirations of the people, politics becomes secondary, and opposition activities cannot gain traction in our state.
We are confident that the voice of the people will be heard strongly in support of the second term of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and indeed, also of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our strategy is rooted in engagement, accountability, and demonstrating that the APC consistently prioritises the people’s welfare, ensuring that our governance remains participatory, responsive, and inclusive.
