By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Aiyenitaju Oluwaseun, a political analyst, Ondo State has attributed the victory of Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency to strategic support from Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban and the influence of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Daramola, popularly known as DOD, emerged winner of the primary with 6,547 votes, defeating the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Jimi Odimayo, according to official results released after the exercise.
However, findings by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that the outcome may have been shaped by internal political alignments and coordinated support within the ruling party.
Sources within the APC in Ondo State said Daramola was widely regarded as the preferred candidate of Gov. Aiyedatiwa ahead of the primaries.
The sources noted that concerns emerged within the party over the possibility of a divided support base among loyalists of the governor, particularly between Daramola and Obayangban, who reportedly commands significant grassroots influence across Okitipupa and Irele local government areas.
According to party stakeholders, such division was seen as capable of strengthening the chances of the incumbent lawmaker retaining the ticket.
A source close to the party’s state leadership, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the governor intervened prior to the election to encourage unity among his supporters.
The source claimed that Obayangban, popularly known as “OC General,” subsequently directed members of his political structure and loyalists to support Daramola during the primary election.
Political analysts in the constituency argued that the development contributed significantly to the scale of Daramola’s victory at the polls.
A ward coordinator in Okitipupa, who also spoke anonymously, described the outcome as “a coordinated political alignment rather than a reflection of weak support for Obayangban.”
According to the coordinator, Obayangban’s supporters were mobilised in favour of Daramola as part of efforts to consolidate the governor’s political interests in the constituency.
Observers say the move, though affecting Obayangban’s personal performance in the official tally, may strengthen his standing within the political camp loyal to Gov. Aiyedatiwa.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the APC leadership in Ondo State on the claims were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.