Fresh APC Primary Crisis as Stakeholders Petition Party Over Ekiti Reps Poll Irregularities
Fresh controversy has erupted over the All Progressives Congress 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 surrounding the eligibility of one of the aspirants, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, as well as the conduct of the exercise.
The stakeholders alleged that Olanrewaju, who serves as Special Assistant to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, contested in the APC primary election 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 group, although the directive was communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olanrewaju allegedly remained in office beyond the deadline and continued receiving 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, raising concerns over his qualification to participate in the APC primary election.
The stakeholders argued that the alleged action 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 primary elections.
They also cited President Tinubu’s resignation directive alongside the Supreme Court ruling in Tukur v. Mustapha, which they said reinforces the legal requirement for political appointees seeking elective office to vacate their positions before participating in party primaries.
In a statement issued by the group, they 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 stakeholders further alleged that Olanrewaju publicly claimed to have resigned in compliance with the directive, insisting that the claim contradicts documents currently in their possession.
Beyond the eligibility issue, the group also challenged the credibility of the primary election itself, alleging widespread irregularities capable of significantly affecting the outcome.
According to them, no voter accreditation process was conducted in any ward across Ilejemeje Local Government Area, contrary to provisions of the Electoral Act.
They further alleged that in Ipere Ward, where 357 delegates were reportedly registered, another aspirant was credited with 782 votes, describing the figure as clear evidence of vote inflation.
The stakeholders also accused government agents of preventing supporters of rival aspirants from voting in parts of Ido/Osi Local Government Area, including Ayetoro Wards 1 and 2, Usi Ward, and Otun Wards 1 and 2, alleging intimidation and disruption during the exercise.
They equally questioned the neutrality of officials who supervised the primary, alleging that Local Government Chairmen and APC Local Government Chairmen with vested interests in the outcome were appointed as returning officers, creating what they described as 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.”
The group said the evidence in its possession includes video recordings of the exercise, documents related to the conduct of the primary, and the May 2026 payslip, urging the APC leadership to examine the materials thoroughly.
They called on the APC National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and determine whether the exercise complied with the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution, and the party’s guidelines.
According to the statement:
“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 further urged the party leadership to thoroughly investigate all pending appeals and ensure justice, fairness, and transparency prevail, warning that the credibility of the APC and confidence among party members depend on the outcome.
They argued that if the allegations are established, the actions would amount 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 stakeholders warned that failure to address the controversy surrounding the primary election 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, while the All Progressives Congress had yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain reactions from both parties were unsuccessful before publication.
