APC Ekiti North II Primary: Akinlayo, Olarewaju Camps Trade Claims Over Resignation, Credibility

By Joseph Sunday 

A war of words has erupted in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, following the party’s primary election, with the camps of Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo and Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju issuing competing statements accusing each other of misleading the public.

The dispute centers on Olarewaju’s appointment status and his compliance with the resignation directive for political appointees ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Akinlayo camp’s allegations:

In a statement signed by the Akinlayo Media Team, the team challenged Olarewaju’s credentials and eligibility to contest.

According to the Akinlayo Media Team, Olarewaju has failed to prove he is a Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President, with the team claiming available information indicates he is merely a Special Assistant, SA. 

The team further alleged that Olarewaju has not complied with the directive for political appointees to resign on or before March 31, 2026, a requirement they said was issued by Mr. President and is contained in the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Law. 

“As at the time of this press engagement, he remains a government appointee,” the Akinlayo Media Team stated, adding that Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Transport, and Power had complied and made their resignation letters public.

The Akinlayo camp also rejected claims that Olarewaju enjoyed overwhelming delegate support, alleging he “failed to visit a single ward out of the 32 wards in the constituency,” and described the primary as a “charade” with no credible election. It denied claims that Akinlayo lost across the three local governments of Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi.

On allegations of thuggery, the Akinlayo Media Team said attempts to shift blame were disingenuous, claiming that individuals allegedly involved are “beneficiaries of patronage, reportedly maintained on Government monthly payrolls.”

The Olarewaju camp’s response:

In a counter-statement signed by the Hon. Ibrahim Media Office, Olarewaju’s team dismissed Akinlayo’s claims as “desperate allegations” and “media theatrics” following a “decisive defeat at the APC primary.”

The Hon. Ibrahim Media Office stated that Olarewaju “was never in violation of any electoral provision,” and that his resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters “was officially effective March 31, 2026.”

As evidence, the media office cited two publications: a report in The Nation newspaper on April 1, 2026, and an extensive interview with The Tribune on April 26, 2026, adding that the resignation letter could be verified through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The Olarewaju camp said Akinlayo “lost in all three local governments within the constituency” and accused him of waiting until after his rejection to complain about irregularities. 

It also raised counter-allegations over election violence, stating: “We are reminded of the reports of cultists, thugs, and the use of weapons he intended to use to disrupt the election,” and claimed that those arrested “are currently in Afao prison,” urging the Inspector General of Police to expedite an investigation into Akinlayo’s alleged involvement.

The statement commended fellow contestant Dr. Ayodeji Dada for congratulating Olarewaju and pledging support for the APC’s 2027 victory, saying Olarewaju “remains focused on the task ahead, bringing his legislative mastery and executive experience to bear for the people of Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi.”

Both camps have challenged the other to produce verifiable evidence to support their claims, with the Akinlayo Media Team stating “the truth cannot be suppressed,” while the Olarewaju Media Office said “no amount of mudslinging from a rejected politician will distract from the mandate he has rightfully earned.”

As of press time, neither side has publicly released a copy of the disputed resignation letter.