Internal APC Crisis Deepens As Ondo Leaders Petition National Chairman Over Isaac Kekemeke Senatorial Ambition

APC chieftains challenge Isaac Kekemeke’s senatorial ambition, citing zoning issues and Electoral Act violations. Read the latest on the Ondo South crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

A Formal Challenge To Regional Consolidation

The political atmosphere in the Ondo South Senatorial District has shifted toward confrontation as prominent members of the All Progressives Congress filed a formal petition against Isaac Kekemeke. The complaint, addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, describes Kekemeke’s recent senatorial declaration as both ill-timed and ill-conceived. Leaders from the Agadagba-Obon axis in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area are leading the opposition, arguing that one individual should not monopolize significant political offices at the expense of equitable distribution. This internal friction follows the vacancy created by the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

Ethical Concerns Over Power Concentration

A primary grievance cited by the APC chieftains involves the perceived imbalance of power within the state’s southern political corridor. The petitioners contend that it is morally indefensible for Kekemeke to pursue the senatorial ticket while hailing from the same local government area as Ambassador Sola Iji and the same federal constituency as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This concentration of high ranking officials within a single geographic sub-zone is viewed by critics as a violation of the party’s traditional zoning spirit. The leaders argue that such a move undermines the inclusive nature of the party and could alienate voters in other parts of the district.

Allegations Of Electoral Act Violations

Beyond moral arguments, the petition focuses on specific legal constraints outlined in the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 84 and 88. The APC leaders maintain that political appointees must formally resign their positions before pursuing elective office, a standard they claim Kekemeke has not yet met. Currently, Kekemeke serves as the APC South-West Zonal Chairman and holds a federal appointment as the Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service. The petitioners insist that the National Working Committee must demand public proof of resignation from both roles to ensure the party remains compliant with national law and shielded from future litigation.