Governorship aspirant Abayomi Hunye has dismissed reports that he stepped down from the Ogun State governorship race or was suspended and expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development may force the party to adopt direct primaries in the state.
Hunye denies suspension and expulsion
Hunye, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, also refuted claims that he was removed as Special Adviser and Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA). In a statement titled 'Malicious and baseless rumours of my suspension and sack from OGWAMA and APC,' he described the reports as false and politically motivated.
He stated that he voluntarily resigned on April 20, 2026, in compliance with the Electoral Act, which requires political appointees to resign before seeking elective office. Hunye asserted that allegations of suspension or expulsion were fabricated by individuals aiming to force him out of the contest.
“The claim is a complete fabrication, entirely lacking in factual or legal foundation, and a desperate campaign of calumny,” he said.
No official communication received
Hunye noted that he had not received any official communication from the APC or the Ogun State Government regarding suspension, expulsion, or dismissal. “No query, formal letter of suspension, or sack has been issued to me by the APC or Ogun State Government. I have not been contacted or summoned by any member of the party’s Executive Committee,” he added.
The aspirant argued that any disciplinary action taken without a fair hearing would violate constitutional provisions and the APC constitution. Citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, he emphasized that no member can be suspended or sanctioned without being informed of allegations and given an opportunity to defend himself.
Constitutional backing required
Hunye maintained that the purported suspension lacked constitutional backing, as Article 21 of the APC constitution requires disciplinary measures to follow due process and receive ratification from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). “Any rumoured suspension must be ratified by the National Working Committee to be legally binding,” he said.
He confirmed that he was duly screened and cleared by the APC to participate in the governorship primary and remains a loyal party member. All his membership dues and financial obligations to the party have been fully paid.
Hunye accused unnamed detractors of spreading misinformation to destabilize his campaign and demoralize his supporters. “Our campaign remains focused, and I am fully cleared, qualified and ready to participate in the direct primaries,” he stated.
“I assure our supporters that our vision for a greater Ogun State remains on course, and we will not be distracted by the machinations of those who fear the will of the people.”
