APC Disqualifies Ojo from Ekiti Gubernatorial Primary Election

The political landscape in Ekiti State has been significantly reshaped following a decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC). The party, preparing for its upcoming governorship primary election, officially disqualified one of its key aspirants, Engineer Kayode Ojo. This decision narrows the field of candidates vying for the party’s ticket.

The APC primary election is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2025. This internal party contest is a crucial step ahead of the main governorship election in Ekiti State, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set for July 20, 2026. The NWC’s screening process is the mandatory final hurdle for aspirants before they can participate in the primary.

The news of the disqualification was delivered by the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, while he was addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday. The party official confirmed that following the intensive screening exercise, the NWC had decided to clear two other prominent aspirants to contest the primary election. These successful candidates are Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and Omolayo Oluremi.

The announcement immediately clarifies the field, effectively setting up a two-way contest for the party’s ticket. The decision to disqualify an aspirant, especially one with a significant political profile, is often a rigorous process based on the criteria established by the party’s guidelines. The NWC is tasked with ensuring that all aspirants meet constitutional requirements, party membership rules, and all other specific criteria set out for contesting the office of governor under the APC banner.

Impact on the Ekiti Gubernatorial Race

The removal of Engineer Kayode Ojo from the contest has immediate and significant implications for the dynamics of the upcoming primary election. With Ojo’s candidacy concluded, the contest is now focused squarely on the incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and the cleared aspirant, Omolayo Oluremi.

The disqualification alters the distribution of support and resources that would have been previously split among three candidates. Consequently, the votes and influence previously commanded by Ojo will likely now be redistributed between the two remaining contenders.

The APC Constitution and its electoral guidelines provide the framework for the NWC’s screening role. Aspirants are typically vetted for a range of issues, including educational qualifications, proof of party loyalty, financial records, and clearance from any previous legal or ethical concerns.

When an aspirant is disqualified, it often signals an issue with one or more of these crucial requirements, though the party’s public statement did not immediately specify the exact grounds for Ojo’s disqualification. Aspirants who are disqualified usually have a window to appeal the decision to an appeal committee set up by the party leadership. The decision of this appeal committee is usually considered final regarding the aspirant’s eligibility to participate in the primary.

Peter Obi Calls For Accountability Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The incumbent, Governor Oyebanji, will now proceed as the candidate seeking re-election against only one rival from within the party. This situation might simplify the campaign strategy for the incumbent, allowing the campaign to focus resources and messaging against a single opposing vision within the primary contest. S

imilarly, Omolayo Oluremi, as the sole challenger, now benefits from being the singular focus for any party members who desire a change in leadership. The removal of Ojo essentially consolidates the opposition vote, making the direct confrontation between the incumbent and the challenger more intense.

The political significance of Ekiti State in the South-West geopolitical zone is substantial. As the APC is the ruling party both at the national level and in the state, the outcome of this primary is crucial for maintaining the party’s political dominance in the region.