By Ebiere Kekeboro
Fresh controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress following allegations of irregularities and eligibility breaches in the House of Representatives primary for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.
Concerned stakeholders have petitioned the party’s National Working Committee, calling for an urgent investigation into the conduct of the primary and the qualification of one of the aspirants, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju.
Olanrewaju, who currently serves as Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, is accused of contesting the primary without complying with the President’s directive mandating all political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
The stakeholders alleged that despite the directive—communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—Olanrewaju 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, indicating that the presidential aide was still on the Federal Government payroll after the resignation deadline.
According to them, this raises serious legal concerns regarding his eligibility to participate in the primary.
They 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 party conventions, congresses, and primaries.
The stakeholders also referenced the Supreme Court judgment in Tukur v. Mustapha, noting that it reinforces the requirement for political appointees to resign before contesting party primaries.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group 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, describing the claim as inconsistent with documents in their possession.
Beyond the eligibility dispute, the stakeholders raised concerns over the credibility of the primary election, alleging widespread irregularities capable of affecting the outcome.
They claimed that no voter accreditation was conducted in any ward in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, in violation of the Electoral Act.
In Ipere Ward, they alleged that although 357 delegates were registered, another aspirant was credited with 782 votes, describing the figure as clear evidence of vote inflation.
The stakeholders also alleged that delegates 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.
They claimed that intimidation and disruption by government agents disenfranchised eligible voters.
The group further questioned the neutrality of officials who conducted the exercise, alleging that individuals with vested interests, including Local Government Chairmen and APC Local Government Chairmen, were appointed as returning officers.
They described the situation as a clear conflict of interest.
Maintaining that the process lacked credibility, the stakeholders alleged that results were manipulated.
“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 characterised the entire exercise,” they stated.
They said the evidence in their possession includes video recordings, documents relating to the conduct of the primary, and the May 2026 payslip.
The stakeholders urged the APC leadership to thoroughly 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 should not be sidelined through questionable practices,” the statement added.
They further called on the party to ensure justice, fairness, and transparency in handling all pending appeals.
Warning of potential political consequences, the group said failure to address the allegations could erode confidence in the party’s internal democratic process and affect its chances in the 2027 general elections.
“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 read.
As of the time of filing this report, Olanrewaju had yet to respond to the allegations.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the APC were also unsuccessful.