AA Leadership Questions INEC Listing of Omo-Aje as Presidential Candidate

By Our Reporter

The leadership of the Action Alliance (AA), led by its National Chairman, Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze, has questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

In a press addendum issued by the Office of the National Chairman, the Udeze-led faction alleged that Omo-Aje, whom it described as not recognised by its leadership, is simultaneously serving as the South-West Coordinator of the presidential campaign of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The AA leadership said the alleged dual involvement raises questions about Omo-Aje’s commitment to the party and the basis for his inclusion as its presidential candidate on INEC’s list.

“How can a man be a Presidential Candidate of AA and at the same time be coordinating another party’s presidential campaign?” the statement asked, describing the development as evidence that further questions the legitimacy of Omo-Aje’s purported candidacy.

The party leadership also accused Omo-Aje and those associated with his candidacy of attempting to destabilise the Action Alliance, while questioning INEC’s neutrality in the matter.

According to the statement, the development is particularly concerning given INEC’s responsibility to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Udeze-led leadership further maintained that its preferred candidate, Mr. Joseph Oluwadare Fadojoe, emerged from what it described as a legitimate primary conducted under the leadership of Chief Kenneth Udeze, which it said had been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

Consequently, the group demanded that INEC immediately remove Omo-Aje’s name as the Action Alliance presidential candidate and recognise Fadojoe as the party’s authentic candidate.

It also called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to address the controversy, arguing that the commission should not allow the dispute to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The statement urged Nigerians and the international community to take note of what it described as a contradiction in the electoral commission’s position and called for the resolution of the leadership and candidacy dispute within the Action Alliance.

Chief Udeze said the party would continue to pursue what it described as the legitimate interests of the Action Alliance and its members ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement was signed by Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze, National Chairman, Action Alliance (Authentic & Court of Appeal-Affirmed).