Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Arogbo-Ijaw axis of Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State have opposed the senatorial ambition of the party’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They described the political ambition of H Kekemeke, who had declared his intention to contest the Senatorial seat by pledging to deliver responsible and people-driven representation if elected to represent the district, as ‘unlawful and politically insensitive.’

In a letter dated April 27, and addressed to the APC National Chairman, the party chieftains, drawn from Agadagba-Obon, said while Kekemeke’s aspiration to represent Ondo South Senatorial District is within his constitutional rights, the circumstances surrounding his declaration allegedly violate the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

The letter, jointly signed on behalf of the leaders by Messrs Tamara Ebiye Johnson and Pere Ebiere Isaac, argued that Kekemeke’s continued stay in public and party offices while pursuing elective office contravenes Sections 84 and 88 of the Electoral Act, which require political appointees to resign before participating in party primaries.

They alleged that Kekemeke still currently serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and also holds the position of APC South-West Zonal Chairman.

The leaders noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled party primaries between April 23 and May 30, insisting that all affected political appointees were expected to have resigned on or before March 31, in line with directives of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They alleged that Kekemeke has neither resigned from his NIPOST position nor relinquished his role as a party official, describing his continued participation in the process as a “flagrant disregard for the law.”

“In contrast, Kekemeke’s main town does not even constitute a ward within the riverine Ijaw-speaking community. Also, Kekemeke currently serves as the Chairman of NIPOST, a position he still occupies.

“He has not complied with the directive of the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which mandates that all political appointees seeking elective office must resign on or before March 31.

“His declaration to contest the senatorial seat while still holding office as both Chairman of NIPOST and APC South-West Zonal Chairman amounts to a clear violation of the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 84 and 88, which require political appointees to resign before pursuing elective positions,” the said.

The leaders added: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already fixed April 23 to May 30 for party primaries. By the provisions of the law, all affected appointees and party officials ought to have resigned before the commencement of this process. As it stands, Kekemeke continues to hold both positions in flagrant disregard for the law.

“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.”

Beyond the legal concerns, the APC chieftains also raised issues of political balance within the Ondo South Senatorial District, warning that Kekemeke’s candidacy could create an uneven concentration of power in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

They pointed out that Kekemeke hails from the same local government area as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador Sola Iji, noting that such clustering of key political offices in one axis may alienate other local government areas in the district.

They also referenced the recent political history of the district, noting that the last occupant of the senatorial seat, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, did not complete his tenure following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The chieftains called on the APC national leadership to enforce compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, warning that failure to do so could expose the party to avoidable litigation.

They insisted that Hon. Kekemeke must publicly present evidence of his resignation from both his NIPOST role and his position as APC South-West Zonal Chairman before continuing with his senatorial ambition.

“It is also on record that during the last governorship election, Hon. Kekemeke did not resign from his position before contesting, allegedly under similar protection. This pattern must not be allowed to repeat itself.

“We therefore insist that Hon. Kekemeke must publicly present his resignation letter and proof of acknowledgment from both his role as Chairman of NIPOST and as APC South-West Zonal Chairman,” the said.

The group, however, maintained that upholding due process is essential to preserving the integrity of the party and the democratic values it claims to represent.

Efforts to reach Hon. Kekemeke proved abortive as calls made to his official line were not connecting as of press time. (The Nation)

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