Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the Arogbo-Ijaw axis of Ese-Odo Local Government Area in Ondo State have kicked against the senatorial ambition of the party’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party chieftains described his aspiration to represent Ondo South Senatorial District as “unlawful and politically insensitive,” despite acknowledging that contesting the seat is within his constitutional rights.
In a letter dated April 27 and addressed to the APC National Chairman, the leaders—drawn from Agadagba-Obon—argued that the manner in which Kekemeke declared his ambition allegedly violates provisions of the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
The letter, jointly signed by Tamara Ebiye Johnson and Pere Ebiere Isaac, raised concerns that Kekemeke is still holding public and party offices while pursuing elective office. They claimed he currently serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and remains the APC South-West Zonal Chairman.
According to them, Sections 84 and 88 of the Electoral Act require political appointees to resign their positions before participating in party primaries—an obligation they say Kekemeke has not fulfilled.
They further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled party primaries between April 23 and May 30, insisting that affected appointees were expected to resign on or before March 31 in line with directives issued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The leaders described Kekemeke’s continued involvement in the process without stepping down as a “flagrant disregard for the law,” adding that as a trained lawyer, he should uphold legal and party rules.
They also alleged that his actions were being taken with the backing of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a claim they linked to past instances where legal directives were allegedly ignored.
Beyond legal issues, the group raised concerns about political balance within Ondo South, warning that Kekemeke’s candidacy could concentrate too much power in Ese-Odo Local Government Area. They pointed out that both Governor Aiyedatiwa and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador Sola Iji, are from the same axis, which could alienate other parts of the district.
They also referenced recent political developments, noting that the immediate past senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, did not complete his tenure after being appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The APC leaders urged the party’s national leadership to enforce compliance with both the Electoral Act and internal rules, warning that failure to act could expose the party to legal challenges.
They insisted that Kekemeke must publicly present proof of resignation from both his NIPOST role and his position within the party before proceeding with his ambition.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Kekemeke for comments were unsuccessful.
