SaharaReporters’ Report on Ekiti APC Primary Misrepresents the Facts – Olarewaju Media Office Clarifies

The Media Office of Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju has taken note of the publication by SaharaReporters titled, “Disquiet in Ekiti APC Over House of Reps Primary as Members Demand Probe.”

While we recognise the role of the media in promoting public discourse, it is necessary to correct the misleading impressions created by the publication, which relied largely on allegations by unnamed individuals without presenting the full facts surrounding the APC primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

For the record, Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju fully complied with all constitutional, legal and party requirements before participating in the primary election. His resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters took effect on March 31, 2026, in compliance with the directive issued to political appointees seeking elective office. This is a matter of public record and can be independently verified through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as well as contemporaneous media reports.

It is therefore incorrect and misleading to suggest that his participation in the primary election violated any provision of the law. Allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, do not amount to evidence.

Beyond the facts surrounding his resignation, it is important to underscore the character and professional pedigree of Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju. He is an accomplished legal practitioner with a strong background in constitutional law and has built an enviable reputation for respect for the rule of law, due process and constitutional governance. Throughout his professional and public service career, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to legal compliance, ethical conduct and democratic values.

It is inconceivable that a constitutional lawyer of his standing, who has spent years interpreting and advising on constitutional and legal matters, would knowingly violate the very laws he has sworn to uphold. His record in legal practice and public service reflects integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the law. Those who know him understand that he has never pursued public office by circumventing established legal processes.

The outcome of the APC primary election reflected the freely expressed will of accredited delegates across Moba, Ilejemeje and Ido-Osi Local Government Areas. Hon. Olarewaju emerged victorious through a transparent and democratic process conducted in accordance with the rules of the party. His victory was not the product of manipulation but the reward for years of grassroots engagement, accessibility and unwavering commitment to the people.

It is not unusual in every democracy for disappointed aspirants or their supporters to express grievances after a keenly contested election. However, such grievances should be pursued through the internal mechanisms provided by the party and, where necessary, the appropriate legal channels, rather than through media campaigns capable of creating unnecessary division within the APC.

We commend party leaders, delegates and members who conducted themselves peacefully throughout the primary election and appreciate aspirants who have demonstrated political maturity by accepting the outcome of the exercise in the overall interest of party unity.

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju remains focused on the bigger task of uniting all stakeholders within the APC and preparing for victory in the 2027 general election. He believes that politics should be driven by ideas, service and respect for democratic processes, not by misinformation or attempts to delegitimise the clear choice of party delegates.

We therefore urge members of the public to disregard speculative claims that are unsupported by verifiable evidence. Our confidence remains in the internal democratic processes of the APC and in the ability of the appropriate party organs to address any legitimate concerns fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.

The APC in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II is bigger than the ambition of any individual. Now is the time to close ranks, strengthen party unity and work collectively towards delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.