A member of the House of Representatives and aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, has rejected the results announced for the exercise, describing them as inconsistent with the wishes of party delegates and supporters.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Special Duty, Kunle Adetifa, the lawmaker said the outcome declared by the Returning Officer did not reflect the true votes cast during the primary election.

Kolawole alleged that the process fell short of the standards of transparency, fairness and due process expected in a credible party primary, insisting that the announced results failed to represent the actual will of delegates across the constituency.

The federal lawmaker maintained that his aspiration enjoyed massive grassroots support throughout Ekiti North Federal Constituency II and expressed confidence that a transparent collation process would have affirmed the mandate given to him by party faithful.

He called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and relevant electoral authorities to intervene by reviewing the conduct of the primary election and ensuring that the authentic outcome of the exercise is upheld in accordance with party guidelines and democratic principles.

Kolawole also appealed to his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that all legitimate and lawful measures would be pursued to protect their mandate and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Ndukuba gave the advice on Saturday during the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja, warning that a return to partisan politics could affect Jonathan’s respected statesman image.

According to the cleric, Jonathan has already earned a lasting place in Nigeria’s democratic history, especially for conceding defeat peacefully after the 2015 presidential election.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name. Please keep off for now and remain the senior citizen you should be,” Ndukuba said.

He praised Jonathan for promoting peaceful leadership and integrity, describing him as a symbol of hope for Nigeria, West Africa and the African continent.

Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party before losing the 2015 election to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.

Since leaving office, Jonathan has remained active in international diplomacy, leading election observation and peace missions across Africa for organizations including Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

Speculation about a possible return to active politics ahead of the 2027 elections has continued in recent months.

The member representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson, has dismissed allegations linking him to the sponsorship of thugs to disrupt the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ekiti State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the lawmaker described the allegation as “malicious, baseless and misleading,” accusing political opponents of attempting to tarnish his reputation ahead of the party’s primary election.

According to the statement, Hon. Davidson remains committed to peaceful and credible democratic processes and has never encouraged or financed violence in any form.

The lawmaker stressed that he is a loyal member of the APC who has consistently advocated transparent and violence-free elections within the party and beyond.

He further stated that he remains the only aspirant in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II to have campaigned across all the 32 wards in the constituency, where he engaged directly with party members and stakeholders on issues affecting development, unity and progress.

The statement added that his grassroots support and acceptance across the constituency make any resort to violence unnecessary and contrary to his political beliefs.

Hon. Davidson also denied any connection with individuals allegedly arrested over acts of thuggery, insisting that they are not members of his campaign structure.

The statement claimed that available information indicated that the suspects were non-state actors allegedly working with and on the payroll of the state government, adding that attempts to link them to the lawmaker were deliberate efforts to mislead party members and the public.

While calling on party supporters to disregard the allegation, the federal lawmaker urged security agencies to remain vigilant and investigate individuals spreading falsehood capable of creating tension within the APC.

He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, party unity and the continued development of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II and Ekiti State at large.