Political leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have formally petitioned the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, over the senatorial ambition of Isaac Kekemeke, the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the APC. The petition, submitted by chieftains from Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, raises serious concerns about Kekemeke’s intention to contest the Ondo South Senatorial District seat. The development comes after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was recently appointed as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, opening the seat for a new candidate.
The APC leaders argue that Kekemeke’s ambition is both ill-timed and ill-conceived, especially given his current official positions. They point out that he currently serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and also holds the position of APC South-West Zonal Chairman. According to the petition, Kekemeke has not yet resigned from these roles, which they say violates the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 84 and 88. These sections mandate that any political appointee must resign from office before contesting for an elective position.
The petitioners emphasize that Kekemeke’s actions would set a dangerous precedent, especially since he hails from the same local government area as Ambassador Sola Iji, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, and the same federal constituency as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They argue that allowing such a move would be morally wrong and could undermine the party’s credibility. The leaders recall that during the last governorship election, Kekemeke allegedly contested without resigning from his official duties, citing similar protection — a pattern they insist must not be repeated.
In their petition, the APC chieftains demand that Kekemeke publicly submit his resignation letters and proof of acknowledgment from both NIPOST and the APC zonal office. They stress that this step is essential not only to comply with the law but also to maintain the party’s integrity and avoid potential legal challenges. The petition calls on the national leadership of the APC to uphold the party’s constitution, principles, and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The leaders warn that failure to address this issue could lead to internal conflict and weaken the party’s unity ahead of the upcoming elections. They believe that transparency and adherence to legal procedures are critical to ensuring fair and credible elections. As the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, this development highlights the growing scrutiny over party leadership and compliance with electoral laws in Nigeria.
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