Fresh Controversy Trails APC Ekiti North Reps Primary Over Aspirant’s Eligibility, Alleged Irregularities
By Core Reporters
Fresh controversy has erupted over the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, as concerned stakeholders have called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate allegations bordering on the eligibility of one of the aspirants, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, and the conduct of the primary.
The stakeholders alleged that Olanrewaju, who serves as Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, contested the APC primary without complying with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
According to the stakeholders, although the directive was conveyed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olanrewaju allegedly remained in office beyond the deadline and continued to receive salary payments.
They claimed to possess documentary evidence, including what they described as a verified May 2026 payslip, showing that the presidential aide remained on the Federal Government payroll after the resignation deadline, thereby raising questions about his eligibility to participate in the APC primary.
The stakeholders argued that the alleged conduct contravenes Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which bars political appointees from voting or being voted for at political party conventions, congresses and primaries. They also cited President Tinubu’s resignation directive and the Supreme Court’s decision in Tukur v. Mustapha, which they said reinforces the requirement for political appointees seeking elective office to vacate their positions before participating in party primaries.
In a statement, the stakeholders said: “Contrary to the presidential directive, credible evidence now indicates that Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju continued to receive salary payments even beyond the stipulated resignation deadline. This raises serious legal and moral questions about his qualification to participate in the party’s primary election.”
The group further alleged that Olanrewaju publicly claimed to have resigned in compliance with the presidential directive, insisting that the claim was inconsistent with documents in their possession.
Beyond the issue of eligibility, the stakeholders questioned the credibility of the primary election, alleging widespread irregularities capable of substantially affecting the outcome.
They claimed that no voter accreditation was conducted in any ward in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The stakeholders further alleged that in Ipere Ward, where 357 delegates were reportedly registered, another aspirant was credited with 782 votes, describing the figure as evidence of vote inflation.
They also alleged that supporters of rival aspirants were prevented from voting in parts of Ido/Osi Local Government Area, Ayetoro Wards 1 and 2, Usi Ward, and Otun Wards 1 and 2, claiming that intimidation and disruption by government agents denied delegates the opportunity to participate in the exercise.
The stakeholders equally questioned the neutrality of officials who conducted the primary, alleging that Local Government Chairmen and APC Local Government Chairmen with vested interests in the outcome of the election were appointed as returning officers, thereby creating a conflict of interest. Maintaining that no credible primary election took place, the stakeholders alleged:
“There are widespread claims that no actual primary election took place and that results were instead written in his favour. Numerous video evidences are said to exist exposing the irregularities that characterized the entire exercise.”
They said the evidence in their possession includes video recordings of the exercise, documents relating to the conduct of the primary, and the May 2026 payslip, urging the APC leadership to examine the materials.
The stakeholders called on the APC National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and determine whether the primary complied with the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines.
“The APC cannot afford to condone actions that undermine its democratic processes. Aspirants who have shown genuine commitment to the party, invested resources, maintained strong ties with constituents and demonstrated proven records of service should not be sidelined through questionable practices,” the statement said.
The group further urged the party to “thoroughly investigate these allegations, review all available evidence and ensure that justice, fairness and transparency prevail in the handling of all pending appeals,” warning that the credibility of the APC and the confidence of its members depend on the decisions taken.
They also argued that, if established, the alleged actions would amount to a breach of the public trust.
“He deceived Mr President. He deceived the party. He deceived Ekiti people. He deceived Nigerians. He who must come to equity must come with clean hands,” the statement added.
The stakeholders warned that failure to address the issues surrounding the primary could undermine confidence in the APC’s internal democratic process and affect the party’s chances of retaining the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju had not publicly responded to the allegations. The APC had also not issued an official statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain reactions from both Olanrewaju and the party were unsuccessful before publication.
