By Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado-Ekiti
Framing his comeback as both a mission and a tribute, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has declared his intention to return to the National Assembly in 2027, with a clear focus on fixing Ekiti’s deteriorating federal roads and delivering what he describes as “purpose-driven representation.”.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Daramola positioned infrastructure—particularly road rehabilitation—as central to his renewed ambition, stressing that the poor state of federal roads across Ekiti remains a major obstacle to economic growth, safety, and connectivity.
He pledged to work closely with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, leveraging his experience and networks to attract federal attention and resources to the state.
“About 90 percent of the roads in Ekiti are federal roads. Fixing them is not just about infrastructure; it is about unlocking economic opportunities, improving safety, and driving development,” he said.
He singled out the Omuo–Ilupeju–Oye corridor as a critical concern, noting that the road, now under increased pressure due to Oye’s emergence as a university hub, has become dangerously overstretched.
According to him, the influx of heavy-duty vehicles and the road’s difficult terrain have contributed to frequent accidents, making urgent intervention inevitable.
Beyond infrastructure, Daramola revisited his earlier tenure in the National Assembly (2011–2015), highlighting his legislative push on national security.
He recalled moving a motion on the growing threat of insurgency and proposing the establishment of a Department of Homeland Security in Nigeria—an idea he said was ahead of its time and met with resistance.
“I refused to withdraw that motion despite pressure. I only stepped it down,” he said, reflecting on what he described as the institutional challenges that shaped his first outing in parliament.
Those challenges, he admitted, once pushed him to the brink of quitting politics. But it was the counsel of his late father, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola, that kept him in the arena.
In an emotional moment, Daramola paid tribute to the nonagenarian, who passed away at 99, describing him as a disciplinarian, mentor, and firm believer in education and public service.
“My father told me not to leave, that real change comes from staying and fighting within the system. One of the reasons I am running again is to honour that belief,” he said.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Daramola said his return bid is anchored on unfinished business and a conviction that his constituents deserve more effective representation.
“If given the opportunity, I will work tirelessly—negotiating, advocating, and mobilising support—to ensure lasting solutions, especially in areas that directly impact the daily lives of our people,” he assured.
As the 2027 race gradually takes shape, Daramola’s message is clear: this is not just another political contest, but a continuation of a journey he believes is far from over.