Tension has gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State following the disqualification of two governorship aspirants from participating in the party’s primaries scheduled for October 27.
The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Duro Meseko, announced the decision after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. According to him, the screening committee found the two aspirants—Engr. Kayode Ojo and Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi—guilty of breaching provisions of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
With their disqualification, only Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo were cleared to contest the party’s ticket in the upcoming primaries.
Party insiders described the decision as a “strategic move” that effectively clears the path for Governor Oyebanji to secure a smooth return ticket, but it has also sparked unease among supporters of the disqualified aspirants, who allege political victimization.
Although the NWC cited non-compliance with party and electoral guidelines as the official reason, sources within the party hinted that the decision may not be unconnected to internal alignments and efforts to maintain cohesion ahead of the 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election, scheduled by INEC for July 20, 2026.
Engr. Kayode Ojo, a well-known businessman and former aspirant in previous contests, is reportedly considering appealing the decision, insisting he met all the requirements stipulated by the party and electoral laws.
Meanwhile, APC leadership has urged all aspirants and members to respect the party’s internal mechanisms, warning against divisive statements or actions capable of undermining unity ahead of the primaries.
As tensions mount within the Ekiti APC, political observers are watching closely to see whether the disqualified aspirants will challenge the decision in court or within the party’s appeal framework—a move that could test the strength of the ruling party’s internal democracy in the state.