Ondo South senatorial poll: APC chieftains accuse Aiyedatiwa of aiding Kekemeke’s ‘illegalities’

By Segun Giwa

Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo have accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of aiding Mr Isaacs Kekemeke in breaking the constitution of the party and Electoral Act in his senatorial ambition bid.

The group, under the aegis of APC Arogbo-Ijaw (Ijaw Nation) made the allegation in a letter to the National Secretariat of the party and received by the office of the Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda

The letter was jointly signed by Tamara Johnson and Pere Isaac on behalf of the APC chieftains who are mostly from Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The APC stakeholders described Kekemeke’s ambition to represent Ondo South Senatorial District as “ill-timed and ill-conceived,” despite acknowledging his constitutional right to contest.

The group alleged that Kekemeke, who is the the National Vice Chairman (South-West), APC, and Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), had yet to resign from his positions as required by law before contesting elective office.

They cited Sections 84 and 88 of the Electoral Act, as well as directives by President Bola Tinubu mandating political appointees to resign on or before March 31, 2026, ahead of party primaries.

The stakeholders noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled April 23 to May 30 for party primaries, insisting that Kekemeke’s continued stay in office contravenes both legal and party provisions.

They also alleged a pattern of disregard for due process, claiming that Kekemeke had previously contested elections without resigning from office.

“As a trained lawyer, he is expected to uphold the law, not undermine it. Yet, it appears he is proceeding with this course, allegedly under assurances from Governor Aiyedatiwa to disregard legal provisions.

“It is worth recalling that both individuals previously ignored a court order restraining the conduct of the APC state congress in Ondo State.

“Party rules are explicit enough. Any aspirant who is a party official must present a resignation letter and proof of acknowledgment before being cleared to participate in the nomination process.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to supervise or preside over a process in which they are also a contestant.

“This is not the legacy of the founding fathers of our party. It contradicts the values of transparency, accountability and respect for due process.

“The very principles championed by President Bola Tinubu and which the current national leadership of the APC must uphold. Governor Aiyedatiwa, too, must respect these democratic ideals,” they said.

The group called on the national leadership of the APC to enforce compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act to avoid potential litigation.

They further urged Kekemeke to publicly present evidence of his resignation from both positions to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the party.

Kekemeke did not respond to phone calls and text messages sent to him by NAN Correspondent.

(NAN)