Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have opposed the senatorial ambition of the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke, describing it as ill-timed and contentious.

The party leaders, from Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, made their position known in a petition addressed to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Kekemeke recently declared his intention to contest for the Ondo South Senatorial District seat following the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

However, the aggrieved chieftains argued that his ambition raises both moral and legal concerns, noting that he hails from the same local government area as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Sola Iji, and the same federal constituency as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

They further contended that Kekemeke’s move violates provisions of the Electoral Act requiring political appointees to resign before seeking elective office.

According to them, Kekemeke is still serving as APC South-West Zonal Chairman and Chairman of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

“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,” the petition stated.

The leaders insisted that Kekemeke must publicly present evidence of his resignation from both positions.

“We therefore insist that Hon. Kekemeke must publicly present his resignation letter and proof of acknowledgement from both his role as Chairman of NIPOST and as APC South-West Zonal Chairman. This is necessary not only to ensure compliance with the law but also to safeguard the integrity of our party and prevent avoidable litigation,” they added.

They called on the APC national leadership to uphold the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act to avoid internal disputes ahead of the elections.