As Daramola Returns to APC in Ekiti…

Gbenga Sodeinde writes about the return of former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Bimbo Daramola to his former party, the All Progressives Congress, at a recent  ceremony in Ekiti state.

In what could be described as a triumphant return for the former House of Representatives member, Hon Bimbo Daramola back to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he was welcomed into Ire Ward 2, by Ekiti State APC Chairman, Paul Omotosho and other leaders of the party who all expressed happiness at his return.

His return recently was a significant development in the history of party politics in Ekiti State. This is for a number of reasons, the first being the fact that he had actually returned to his political base where providence had given him the rare opportunity to make his people happy and enjoy the dividends of democracy. 

Secondly, he returned to the base where he shot into limelight as a people’s lawmaker and his coming back also signals the possible return of other APC xhieftains like Hon Ife Arowosoge, the former Governor, Chief Segun Oni, back to the party anytime from now, among other reasons.

Just as the Party Chairman, Barrister Omotoso disclosed that “we begged Hon Bimbo Daramola to come back”. 

The Governor, Biodun Oyebanji had equally visited Chief Segun Oni begging him to come back to the party.

This was why it was jubilation galore in Iree Ekiti, Oye Local Government, as ex-member of the House of Representatives who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1, comprising Oye/Ikole, returned to his former political party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, with some of his followers.

Daramola who wasvin the House of Representatives between 2011-2015 had dumped the ruling party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2022 to contest the 2023 National Assembly election.

He was readmitted into the party with hundreds of his supporters in a carnival-like event attended by the APC chairman in the state, Paul Omotoso, through the party’s chairman in Ire Ward 2, Hon Dipo Bejide and other leaders of the party in Oye local government area of the state.

Congressman Daramola, as he is fondly called by his supporters and admirers, came to political limelight during the 2007 election which brought in Segun Oni, when  he was resolute in stopping the final collation of the results, claiming foul play by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

That action which was seen as heroic by members of the then Action Congress contributed to his election as a member of the House of Representatives. It is on record that he performed creditably during his time in the green chamber of the National Assembly.

Daramola left the APC for SDP in 2022 over alleged injustice done to him by some members of the party following which he left to contest the House of Representatives election under the SDP where he lost to APC candidate.

Hundreds of APC members and supporters of the former federal lawmaker as well as party leaders were on hand at the APC Ire ward 2 to witness the occasion.

The State Chairman of the APC, Mr Paul Omotosho, in his remarks, after admitting the former lawmaker back to the party, extolled Bimbo’s virtues as one of the founding fathers of the APC.

A cording to him, the party deemed it fit to woo Daramola back to its fold as his absence meant a lot to the party considering his sacrifice in the past to the growth of the party in the state.

Omotosho said the party felt the absence of Daramola, saying the history of APC cannot be complete without Daramola. 

He said the party begged him to return because he is one of the few leaders who sacrificed his everything for the growth of the party.

The party Chairman noted that at the point of death, Daramola stood by APC, and that alone gave the party the concern to ensure his return.

In his remark, Bimbo Daramola who expressed happiness for reuniting with his people and promised to continue to support the growth and development of the party disclosed that he reconsidered his step after he met with the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, at the Government House in Ado Ekiti, a few months ago.  

Specifically, Daramola pointed out that his coming back to APC would have been impossible without considering his relationship with People like President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Governor Umar Bago of Niger State.

According to him: “Of course, my come back would have been impossible if I didn’t consider these people and my long standing and suffering supporters”.

He explained that even as a member of another party, he facilitated federal jobs for two sons of Ire Ekiti from the two wards of APC and pledged to do more if opportunities open.

Daramola particularly acknowledged the steps taken by leaders of the party, particularly the incumbent governor, Mr  Oyebanji, and Senate leader, Senator Bamidele, to see his return to the party.

He promised to continue to work for the progress of the party, and that he would be willing to offer his services for the growth of the state and the nation at large.

He commended the party chairman and Governor Oyebanji for the role played in his return to the APC, assuring them that he would be more committed to the success and development of the party.

Daramola recalled his interventions in the socio-economic development of the state in the area of infrastructure, and human capital development which he said was the essence of politics and governance.

He said, “I am happy to be back in the APC after few months of being away due to some reasons in the past that I am very emotional about.

“The circumstances which I left particularly about two people who didn’t want me to breathe is not palatable. Now that those people are out of the way, I feel I am now comfortable and the new governor, Biodun Oyebanji has earned my support, among other reasons for returning to the party.

“For the past eight years, I didn’t drink a cup of water in APC. I left the parliament in 2015, but we were undeterred and now you can see whole lot of people who trooped out to follow me back to the party.

“I am ready to add value and improve the lives of our people now that I am back to the party, we laboured to form and build.”

Commenting on Daramola ‘s return to APC, Mrs Rachael Onifade from Ire Ekiti, said it is a good move and that she never saw Bimbo leave the party but that he only took a break and now that he has rested enough he is back to where he truly belongs.

For Dr. Oke Aruleba, a university don and political analyst from Ekiti “Congressman Bimbo Daramola is not a newbie to the political journey in Ekiti state, he was and remains a major stakeholder when politics is involved in Ekiti. He left the APC during the guber elections to team up with Engineer Segun Oni of the SDP and his impact no doubt left a vacuum in the ruling party even after winning the elections.

“Congressman Bimbo attributes may have triggered the executive Governor of Ekiti state Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji who was believed to have engineered his come back into the APC fold. 

“The successful reunification of defected party members especially the return of Bimbo Daramola  to APC, has far-reaching implications for governance. It signifies a more stable political environment, where party members are focused on collective progress rather than personal agendas. 

“Governor  Oyebanji’s  efforts have not only strengthened the party but also enhanced the overall governance of the state, as policies can now be implemented more effectively with the support of a united party.”

Many other people especially APC faithfuls also bared their minds on the home coming of Daramola, the Ekiti illustrious son.

Alhaji Jimoh Ajomole believed  the home coming of Congress man Bimbo is a signal to Segun Oni and other members who left the Party to come back home to where they will be truly valued and enjoined other aggrieved members to follow  the footsteps of Comrade Bimbo.

On his part, a chieftain of the APC, Elder Kolawole Sunday, said he  believed it was the right step for any right thinking individual that wants the progress of the state.

“If you look at the humility and dedication of the Governor one won’t be surprised if more opposition joins him to move the state forward and as you know Congressman  Daramola is a son of the soil and so he just did the right thing “ he concluded.