Fresh crisis hits APC as stakeholders challenge Ekiti Reps Primary

Fresh controversy has engulfed the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the House of Representatives primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, as concerned party stakeholders have petitioned the National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate allegations surrounding the eligibility of one of the aspirants and the conduct of the exercise.

The stakeholders accused Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, of participating in the primary election despite allegedly failing to comply with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

According to the stakeholders, although the directive was issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olanrewaju allegedly remained in office beyond the stipulated deadline and continued to receive salary payments.

They claimed to possess documentary evidence, including what they described as a verified May 2026 payslip, indicating that the presidential aide remained on the Federal Government payroll after the resignation deadline, a development they said raises questions about his eligibility to contest the APC primary.

The stakeholders argued that the alleged action contravenes Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which prohibits 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 to vacate office before participating in party primaries.

In a statement, the stakeholders said the alleged failure to resign before contesting the primary raises both legal and ethical concerns.

“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 statement read.

Beyond the eligibility issue, the stakeholders also challenged the credibility of the primary election, alleging widespread irregularities capable of affecting the outcome.

They alleged that no accreditation of voters was conducted in any ward in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The group further claimed 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 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 were appointed as returning officers, thereby creating a conflict of interest.

Maintaining that no credible primary election took place, the stakeholders further alleged that results were written in favour of one of the aspirants rather than emerging from a transparent voting process.

“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,” the statement added.

The stakeholders said they possess video recordings, documents relating to the conduct of the primary and the May 2026 payslip, urging the APC National Working Committee to examine the materials and determine whether the primary complied with the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution and the party’s guidelines.

They warned that the APC’s internal democratic process would suffer if the allegations were ignored.

“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 stakeholders stated.

They further urged the party leadership to thoroughly investigate the allegations, review all available evidence and ensure justice, fairness and transparency in handling all pending appeals.

The stakeholders also alleged that, if established, the actions amounted to a breach of 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 said.

They warned that failure to address the issues surrounding the disputed 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, while efforts to obtain reactions from both Olanrewaju and the party were unsuccessful.