Setting the Record Straight: Why Akinlayo’s Desperate Allegations Against Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju Are Doomed to Fail

Setting the Record Straight: Why Akinlayo’s Desperate Allegations Against Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju Are Doomed to Fail

The recent media theatrics by Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo, following his decisive defeat at the APC primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, represent nothing more than a desperate attempt to manipulate public perception after failing to secure the mandate of the people. It is unfortunate, though not surprising, that a sitting lawmaker would choose to resort to falsehoods and petty innuendo rather than accepting the verdict of his constituents.

For the sake of clarity and to protect the integrity of the process, we must set the record straight: Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju, a man of integrity and deep respect for the rule of law, was never in violation of any electoral provision. His resignation as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters was officially effective March 31, 2026. This fact is a matter of public record, widely reported in the *Nation* newspaper on April 1, 2026, and further substantiated by his extensive interview with the *Tribune* on April 26, 2026. These documents are readily available; had Hon. Akinlayo been a serious contender rather than a purveyor of assumptions, he could have easily accessed facts of this letter through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Instead, he chose the path of character assassination, attempting to discredit a candidacy that has received the overwhelming nod of stakeholders, party delegates and members.

It is laughable that Hon. Akinlayo, who lost in all three local governments within the constituency, now claims the election was "fraught with irregularities." One must ask: if the process were truly flawed, why did he wait until he was soundly rejected by the party members to lodge these complaints? His hypocrisy is laid bare by his own history, a man who reportedly entered the House of Representatives through the back door now assumes everyone else must follow the same dishonorable path.

While Akinlayo busies himself with ghost-chasing in the media, the reality on the ground is starkly different. We are reminded of the reports of cultists, thugs, and the use of weapons he intended to use to disrupt the election in areas where he feared defeat. These were not the actions of a democratic aspirant, but of someone desperate to subvert the will of the people. It remains a matter of public concern that those arrested for these planned violent disruptions are currently in Afao prison, and we urge the Inspector General of Police to expedite the investigation into Hon. Akinlayo’s involvement in these crimes.

In stark contrast, we commend Dr. Ayodeji Dada, a fellow contestant who has shown true statesmanship by congratulating Hon. Olarewaju and pledging his support to ensure the APC’s victory in 2027. Dr. Dada understands that politics is about service, not a "do-or-die" affair.

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju remains focused on the task ahead, bringing his legislative mastery and executive experience to bear for the benefit of the people of Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi. No amount of mudslinging from a rejected politician will distract from the mandate he has rightfully earned. We advise Hon. Akinlayo to take a leaf from the book of his co-contestants, embrace the result, and join the party in the critical work of securing victory for our great party in the upcoming general elections.

The era of back-door politics is over; the era of authentic, grassroots-supported representation has begun.

Signed 

Hon. Ibrahim Media Office