Ex-Tinubu Aide Denies Electoral Misconduct in APC Primary Victory

Ibrahim Olarewaju, former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, has refuted allegations that he failed to resign his appointment before successfully contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in May.

Olarewaju’s Media Office stated that his victory in the APC primary was a “reward for years of grassroots engagement, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to the people,” achieved through a transparent and democratic process compliant with APC rules.

A statement released in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday by Moses Owoyemi, on behalf of Olarewaju’s media team, asserted that the former lawmaker “fully complied with all constitutional, legal, and party requirements before participating in the primary election.”

Owoyemi clarified, “His (Olarewaju’s) resignation as SSA 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. It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Olarewaju’s participation in the primary election violated any provision of the law. Allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, do not amount to evidence.”

Responding to reports claiming the former presidential aide did not resign, the media office added, “This (his resignation) 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 media reports.”

The statement emphasized, “Olarewaju’s 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.”

It further noted that “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.”

The media office commended party leaders, delegates, and members for their peaceful conduct during the primary, and appreciated aspirants who accepted the outcome for the sake of party unity.

According to the media office, “Hon. 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 statement concluded.

“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.”

While acknowledging that it is not unusual for disappointed aspirants or their supporters to express grievances after an election, the media office advised that “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.”