Allegations of Irregularities Emerge in APC Primary Election
Written by Tracy Moses
The primary election held by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2 seat has ignited a fresh wave of controversy. A coalition of party stakeholders is urging the National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate claims of irregularities in the election process and the candidacy of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who serves as the Special Assistant to the President on Parliamentary Affairs.
Concerns Over Compliance with Resignation Directive
Accusations have surfaced that Olanrewaju failed to adhere to a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This directive required political appointees planning to pursue elective office in the upcoming 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026. The directive, communicated through the Secretariat to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aims to uphold party guidelines and ensure transparency in the nomination process.
Documented Evidence Raises Questions
Officials allege that Olanrewaju continued in his role beyond the designated deadline and continued to receive a salary, in contradiction to the instructions provided. They claim to possess documentary evidence, including a verified payslip from May 2026, which they argue undermines his eligibility to participate in the APC primaries.
Contradictory Claims About Resignation
The party members further assert that Olanrewaju has publicly claimed to have resigned prior to the primary election, although they argue this assertion is directly contradicted by the documents they possess.
Demands for a Thorough Investigation
In a formal statement, officials highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Credible evidence now shows that Mr. Olanrewaju continued to be paid beyond the stipulated resignation deadline, contrary to presidential directives. This raises serious legal and moral questions about his eligibility to participate in the party’s primaries.” They have called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the primary election to protect the integrity of the democratic process within the APC.
Concerns of a Rigged Election
Further compounding the controversy, stakeholders have expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the primary election itself. They allege that no genuine election took place and that results were manipulated in Olanrewaju’s favor. Reports indicate that video evidence might substantiate claims of fraud associated with the election process.
Political Repercussions and Increased Scrutiny
The group has cautioned the APC leadership that failing to address these allegations could have significant political ramifications, particularly concerning the party’s ability to retain the Ekiti North 2nd Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections. This unrest occurs as the APC faces growing scrutiny over its nomination procedures, with members across various states voicing concerns regarding adherence to internal guidelines, transparency, and the conduct of primary elections.
At the time of this report, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, and there has been no official statement from the APC regarding the matter. Attempts to obtain comments from both the presidential aides and the party prior to this announcement have been unsuccessful.
