Ayoola Olajolo Replaces Adeniji as APC Director of Administration

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Barrister Ayoola Olajolo as its new Director of Administration at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. His appointment comes in the wake of the death of the former director, Hon. AbdulRauf Adekunle Adeniji, who was abducted earlier this year and later died in captivity. In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Olajolo was described as a seasoned professional with the right blend of legal expertise, grassroots political experience, and bureaucratic skills needed to strengthen the APC’s administrative operations. Olajolo, a native of Ile-Ife in Osun State, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016. His political journey began at the grassroots level, where he served as Secretary and later as Chairman of Ife Central Local Government between 1999 and 2003. He later joined the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where he rose to the position of Assistant Chief Legal Officer, handling sensitive administrative and legal responsibilities. As the new Director of Administration, Olajolo will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the APC National Secretariat, managing staff operations, and ensuring smooth execution of the party’s programmes. Party leaders expressed confidence that his background will enable him to stabilise and improve the Secretariat’s operations. The position became vacant following the tragic death of Adeniji, who was kidnapped on January 26, 2025, from his residence in Kubwa, Abuja. Despite ransom negotiations, he was killed in captivity, sparking outrage and grief within the APC and the wider political community. His passing led to the temporary closure of the APC Secretariat in Abuja as party members observed a period of mourning. Adeniji, born on September 20, 1959, was an accomplished administrator and academic who previously worked at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, before entering politics. He later became APC’s Director of Administration and was widely respected for his dedication and commitment to public service. Tributes poured in from across the country, including from former Osun governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who described him as a grassroots mobiliser and bridge-builder. With Olajolo now taking over the role, the APC hopes to restore stability at its National Secretariat and maintain organisational efficiency. His appointment is seen as both a step to fill a painful void and an opportunity to inject new energy into the party’s administrative structure as it prepares for future political challenges.