APC Groups Seek Replacement of Reps Candidate over Alleged Breach of Public Service Rules
A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups has urged the party’s national leadership to replace Toyin Okoro Zachaius, its candidate for Ekiti South I Federal Constituency, over alleged violations of public service rules and claims that anti-corruption agencies are investigating him.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s National Secretary, Chidiebere Osondu, the groups said replacing Zachaius ahead of the January 16, 2027, National Assembly election would be in the party’s best interest.
The coalition warned that the APC risked losing the seat to the opposition if it fielded a candidate whose eligibility and integrity had been questioned.
It argued that the party could squander its electoral advantage by allowing the candidature to proceed without resolving the allegations, adding that opposition parties could exploit the controversy to their advantage.
“We address you today not out of malice, but out of deep concern for the integrity of our great party, the rule of law, and the future of democracy in Ekiti South and Nigeria at large,” Osondu said.
The groups said the petition against Zachaius raised questions about his eligibility, citing allegations relating to his activities abroad and deportation in 2006, which they said could have implications under Section 66 of the 1999 Constitution.
They also alleged that Zachaius remained a serving legislative aide while seeking elective office and running a private company as its sole director.
Under the heading, “Alleged Violation of Public Service Rules,” the coalition questioned whether he could simultaneously remain in public service, pursue an elective position and operate a private business.
It further alleged a conflict of interest, claiming that government contracts worth millions of naira had been facilitated for his private company while he remained in public service.
The groups argued that the allegations raised concerns about possible breaches of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act.
They warned that failing to investigate and resolve the issues before the party endorsed his candidature could expose the APC to legal challenges that might result in the nullification of his election.
The coalition also argued that retaining the candidate could undermine the party’s stated commitment to integrity and discipline and send the wrong signal about its attitude towards alleged misconduct.
It further alleged that attempts were being made to invoke President Bola Tinubu’s name to intimidate anti-corruption agencies and the party’s national leadership.
“We are also reliably informed that desperate attempts are being made to use the name of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intimidate the anti-corruption agencies and the party leadership. This is false and insulting to Mr President,” the statement said.
