APC Disqualifies Adebayo Shittu Over NYSC Scandal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified the Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu from the Oyo state governorship race over his failure to partake in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The APC governorship aspirants screening committee said Shittu could not be considered to stand in the election.

Premium Times had reported that Shittu failed to present himself for the scheme despite graduating from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) at age 25.

Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, was also disqualified from the Taraba state race.

The ruling party did not give any reason for her disqualification.

Briefing newsmen earlier today, Shittu said he was against the adoption of indirect primary election by the state.

“I, Adebayo Shittu, the leading governorship aspirant of the APC in Oyo State, rejects the recommendation of the NWC for indirect primary in the state,” he had said.

Shittu explained further that a major reason he rejected the adoption of indirect primaries in the state was because those to serve as delegates, constituted the bulk of those handpicked for the party’s state congresses, which are being contested in court.

“The direct primary system will surely allow all aspirants in the party to test their popularity,” he said.

He added that the system gives party members a fair opportunity of voting for candidates of their choice.

He called on the leadership of the party to allow party members executive their fundamental rights and vote the candidate of their choice.

Shittu has been in a running battle with Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi.