Former Tinubu associate refutes allegations of irregularities in APC primary victory

Former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has refuted allegations that he neglected to resign from his position before competing for the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in May, with his media office stating that his emergence as the winner of the primary election was a testament to his dedication to the people.

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According to a statement released by Moses Owoyemi on behalf of Olarewaju's media team in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, the former House of Representatives member had fully complied with all necessary constitutional, legal, and party requirements prior to participating in the primary election, and his resignation as SSA to the President took effect on March 31, 2026.

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Owoyemi emphasized that it was incorrect to suggest that Olarewaju's participation in the primary election was in violation of any law, and that allegations, regardless of how frequently repeated, did not constitute evidence, with Olarewaju's resignation being a matter of public record that could be verified through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and media reports.

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Olarewaju's record in law and public service has consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency, and adherence to the law, and those familiar with him understand that he has never pursued public office by circumventing established legal processes, with the outcome of the APC primary election reflecting the will of accredited delegates across Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi Local Government Areas.

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The media office commended party leaders, delegates, and members for conducting themselves peacefully during the primary election and appreciated the aspirants who accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity, with Olarewaju emerging victorious in the election.

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Olarewaju remains focused on uniting stakeholders within the APC and preparing for victory in the 2027 general election, believing that politics should be driven by ideas, service, and respect for democratic processes, rather than misinformation or attempts to delegitimize the choice of party delegates.

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The media office urged the public to disregard speculative claims that are unsupported by verifiable evidence, expressing confidence in the internal democratic processes of the APC and the ability of party organs to address concerns fairly and transparently.

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The APC in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II is larger than any individual's ambition, and now is the time to strengthen party unity and work collectively towards delivering democracy dividends to the people, according to the media office.

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The media office noted that it is not unusual for disappointed aspirants or their supporters to express grievances after an election, but advised that such grievances should be pursued through internal party mechanisms and, where necessary, legal channels, rather than through media campaigns that could create division within the APC.