The Ekiti APC Stakeholders Group has reaffirmed its support for the endorsement of Engr. Toyin Okoro as the consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued after a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, the group said the endorsement by party leaders and stakeholders across Ise/Orun, Ikere and Ekiti South local government areas remains valid and continues to enjoy wide support within the constituency.
The development comes days after a coalition of APC support groups petitioned the party’s screening committee, raising concerns over Okoro’s eligibility and suitability to contest for the seat.
Responding to the petition, the stakeholders described the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.
“The group therefore enjoined members of the public to disregard the fake news and see it as the handiwork of rejected and disgruntled politicians with no credibility to stand re-election,” the statement said.
According to the group, Okoro has been an active member of the progressive movement in Ekiti State since the Alliance for Democracy era and played a role in the 2003 re-election campaign of former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo.
The stakeholders commended him for what they described as his loyalty, contributions and consistent support for the All Progressives Congress.
Addressing claims that Okoro had not resigned his appointment as a Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the group maintained that he resigned before March 31, 2026.
“The publication regarding the above assertion is not true as Engr. Okoro had resigned his appointment before March 31, 2026,” the statement said.
The group also dismissed allegations that Okoro breached the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by retaining directorship in a private company while serving as a public official.
According to the statement, Okoro resigned as a director of ZAC-LAWRENZ Nigeria Limited on July 1, 2024, before taking up his appointment at the National Assembly, and the relevant documents were subsequently filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The stakeholders further alleged that the petition against Okoro was sponsored by supporters of the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo.
The group also claimed that there were attempts to undermine the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, although it did not provide details.
While reiterating support for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu in 2027, the stakeholders urged party members and the general public to disregard the allegations against Okoro.
The group maintained that the endorsement of Toyin Okoro reflects what it described as the collective decision of APC leaders and members across the constituency and expressed confidence in his ability to represent the area effectively in the House of Representatives.
Hon. Ojuawo had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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