By Ogunmodede Ifelayo Political Analyst & Commentator
The race for the House of Representatives in Ado/Irepodun Ifelodun Federal Constituency 1 is heating up, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the list of aspirants. While the field is packed with ambition, a critical legal hurdle is separating the serious contenders from those merely playing to the gallery.
With the March 31st, 2026, resignation deadline looming, several high-profile government appointees who have declared their interest are yet to vacate their seats. Among those in the balance are Hon. Sunday Asefon (SSA to the President on Student Engagement); Hon. Architect Tope Ogunleye (Special Adviser, Office of State Capital Development); Hon. Sunday Ibitoye (Chairman, Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency); and Hon. Tokunbo Ajila (Chairman, Ekiti State Sports Development Trust Fund and Assistant Director at NIMASA).
They are joined by private sector professionals like Ologunja Kayode (CEO, First Hathway Nigeria Limited) and Dr. Jimlas Opeyemi Ogunsakin, a paediatrician based in Abuja, but the law remains clear.
According to Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, all political appointees must resign by March 31st, 2026, to be eligible for party primaries. The Ekiti State APC screening committee has reinforced this rule, requiring all aspirants to resign before appearing for screening. Declarations of interest without a formal resignation letter are nothing but empty gestures, and any party that flouts this rule risks disqualification of its candidate from the general election.
However, in a move that draws a sharp contrast, one aspirant has already proven his commitment. Mr. Sunday Ola has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Board of the Sports Council, signaling full compliance with the law and readiness for the contest.
As the clock ticks toward the deadline, the question on the minds of constituents is clear: Is this a genuine race to represent the people, or just a social media campaign for visibility? The Federal Constituency 1 race should not be about who can shout the loudest or trend online; it must be about who respects due process and meets the legal requirements.
Only those who resign and submit themselves to proper screening can truly be considered serious contenders.
Ogunmodede Ifelayo is a Political Analyst and Commentator based in Ado Ekiti.
