Adebayo Adenrele
A group under the auspices of Concerned Ise Indigenes has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disqualify a House of Representatives aspirant, Toyin Zacchaeus Okoro, from contesting for the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I (Ekiti South West, Ikere and Ise/Orun LGAs) seat in the 2027 general elections over allegations bordering on money laundering and conflict of interest.
The group, in a petition addressed to the National Chairman of the party in Abuja and signed by Engr. Bayo Babalotin, urged Professor Nentawe Yilwatde to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into allegations surrounding the aspirant’s past and present activities.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Babalotin alleged that Okoro was convicted and imprisoned in the United Kingdom around 2006 for money laundering, which led to his deportation.
He also accused the aspirant of violating public service ethics while serving in the National Assembly as a Senior Legislative Aide.
He claimed that records from the Corporate Affairs Commission showed that Okoro remained the sole director and controlling authority of ZAC-LAWRENZ NIG. LTD while occupying a public office, contrary to provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
The group also alleged that the company benefited from government contracts valued at about N90 million during the period, adding that payments for the projects were allegedly made into a Wema Bank account which received Okoro’s official salary.
Babalotin stated that if the allegations were ignored, opposition parties could exploit them to damage the image and electoral fortunes of the APC in future elections.
He maintained that the incumbent lawmaker representing the Constituency, AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo remains a better choice that can deliver more quality representation to the constituents.
The petition reads, “We respectfully draw your attention to the alleged clandestine endorsement of Mr. Toyin Okoro as a preferred aspirant for the House of Representatives seat representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I.
“It is important to bring to your notice certain concerns regarding the suitability of the individual being considered for such a critical position. Accordingly, we kindly urge you to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the following allegations:
“Firstly, it is alleged that Mr. Toyin Okoro was convicted and imprisoned in the United Kingdom for money laundering around 2006, which reportedly resulted in his deportation. It is further alleged that a prominent traditional ruler in Ekiti State was linked to the matter; however, Mr. Okoro reportedly bore the primary consequences of the case, which has since made their relationship cordial.
“Secondly, and of equal concern, is the conduct of the aspirant, who is currently serving as a public officer in the National Assembly. By virtue of his Letter of Appointment confirming his position as a Senior Legislative Aide (attached), he qualifies as a public officer within the meaning of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
“Notwithstanding this status, records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (Certified True Copy attached) indicate that he has remained the sole director and controlling mind of ZAC-LAWRENZ NIG. LTD up to the present time while serving as a public official. This raises serious concerns under the Code of Conduct provisions relating to conflict of interest.
“Furthermore, contract award documents reveal that the said company benefited from government contracts, including projects valued at approximately N90,000,000. These payments were reportedly made into the company’s account with Wema Bank (Account No. 0263360200), which is also alleged to be the same account into which his official salary is paid. This suggests a troubling overlap between public duty and private interest.
“These concerns are not speculative; they are supported by documentary evidence and are capable of substantiation in a court of law. More importantly, in the present political climate, such information could easily enter the public domain, be amplified across media platforms, and be used strategically to undermine both the credibility of the aspirant and the reputation of the Party.
“We present these concerns in good faith and in the collective interest of safeguarding the integrity and electoral strength of our great party. It is imperative that all necessary due diligence is undertaken to prevent potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by political opponents.
“In light of the above, we respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly investigated before any further steps are taken regarding his candidacy”.
When contacted, Okoro failed to react as all calls and messages placed and sent to his line were neither returned nor replied at the press time of filing this report.
