Ahead of the February 23, 2023 Okitipupa/ Irele federal constituency election BAYO JIMOH takes a look at the aspirants in the two leading political parties across the two local governments

Since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, the contest to represent Okitipupa/Irele Federal constituency has not been an easy ride for aspirants and candidates. Sometimes have sprung up surprises and underdogs have emerged on occasions.

Generally, Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency has been difficult to predict when it comes to House of Representatives. In 1999 when the entire South West voted Alliance for Democracy (AD) for House of Reps, this constituency voted People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Subsequent elections have followed this pattern and PDP has dominantly represented the area in the lower chamber at Abuja. But 2023 looks like going to be the fiercest contest for so many reasons and political watchers are intensely watching whether the norm would be broken this time.

Expectedly, the race to the Green Chamber is already gathering momentum with several willing contenders daily throwing their hats into the ring of the contest. At the last count, seven aspirants within the two dominant political parties All Progressive Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have shown interest in the seat, and at least three have officially declared interest.

Observers of the politics of Ikale say the contest for both APC and PDP tickets will be fierce one going by the caliber and political antecedents of some of the contenders and the possibility that whosever gets the ticket of APC or PDP is a potential winner of the contest. 

The top contenders for party tickets for the coveted position, for now are: In the APC, Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola, Prince Jimi Odimayo, Chief Toye Albert and Kola Akinmosun. In the PDP, the top runners are Comrade J.J. Bayo Adekanle, Hon. Yomi Sheba and the incumbent, Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju.