The race for the Ekiti State governorship election has taken a decisive turn after the All Progressives Congress (APC) ruled Kayode Ojo ineligible to participate in its upcoming primary election.
The decision, announced in Abuja by Duro Meseko, signals a tightening of the contest as the party narrows down its list of contenders ahead of the scheduled primary later in October.
With this development, only a select number of aspirants remain in contention for the party’s ticket. Among those cleared are the incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, alongside Omolayo Oluremi, both now positioned to battle for the APC’s nomination.
According to INEC, the main governorship election in Ekiti State has already been slated for July 2026, making the party primary a crucial step in determining who flies the APC flag.
The removal of Kayode Ojo followed recommendations from a screening panel constituted by the party’s National Working Committee. His exit from the race adds to earlier changes within the contest, including the exclusion of another aspirant in recent weeks.
A prominent figure in Ekiti politics, Kayode Ojo has maintained a long-standing presence within the APC, though his relationship with party leadership has often been marked by disagreements. His past attempts at securing the governorship ticket and his stance on party matters have occasionally put him at odds with key stakeholders.
Gossip News Now reports that internal considerations may have played a significant role in the decision. Party insiders suggest that beyond formal screening outcomes, there was a strong desire to maintain unity and avoid internal divisions that could weaken the APC’s chances in the state.
In essence, the move reflects a broader strategy to stabilize the party structure ahead of a high-stakes election cycle, where cohesion could prove critical.
Beyond Ekiti, the APC has also taken steps to reorganize its structure elsewhere. The dissolution of the party’s executive committee in Enugu State is widely interpreted as part of preparations for potential political realignments, particularly amid speculations involving Peter Mba of the PDP.
Commentary & Analysis
The exclusion of Kayode Ojo highlights the complex balance political parties must strike between internal democracy and strategic unity. While screening processes are officially based on eligibility, political calculations often shape final outcomes.
For the APC, avoiding factional disputes appears to be a priority, especially given past experiences in Ekiti where internal divisions have impacted electoral performance.
At the same time, this decision could generate reactions among supporters of the disqualified aspirant, potentially testing the party’s ability to maintain cohesion in the lead-up to the election.
As the primary approaches, attention will now shift to how remaining contenders position themselves — and whether the party can successfully manage both competition and unity in its quest to retain power.
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