Ex-Tinubu aide denies breaking rules in APC primary win

July 1, 2026 12:43 pm

Former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has dismissed claims that he failed to resign his appointment before contesting for the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in May.

Olarewaju’s Media Office also said the former member of the House of Representatives emerged victorious in the APC primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II as a “reward for years of grassroots engagement, accessibility and unwavering commitment to the people through a transparent and democratic process conducted in accordance with APC rules.”

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

Owoyemi said, “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.”

The media office, reacting to reports and claims that the former presidential aide did not resign, stated: “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.

“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.

“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.

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

The media office, while noting that it was not unusual for disappointed aspirants or their supporters to express grievances after an election, 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.”

Abiodun Nejo

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