All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Kayode Ojo, has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of threatening party chairmen at the local government and ward levels against entertaining other contenders ahead of the 2026 election.
Speaking through the Chairman of his Consultative Forum, Olukayode Oluyemo, at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Ojo described the governor’s statement as “ludicrous, vexatious, and a clear attempt to turn APC into his private empire and family inheritance.”
Ojo, who expressed confidence of winning the party’s primary election scheduled for October 27, 2025, despite alleged intimidation, said his ambition was driven by the need to tackle “the inexplicable stagnation ravaging Ekiti State despite huge monthly allocations and the state’s development potential.”
His remarks were in response to a comment credited to Oyebanji on Friday while receiving his APC expression of interest and nomination forms, reportedly purchased for him by members of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association. The governor was quoted as saying he wanted to know any APC ward or local government chairman who would “open their doors and offices” to rival aspirants.
Reacting, Ojo said the governor’s position violated both the APC Constitution and Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantee members the freedom to associate, choose aspirants, and hold meetings.
“It is our party. We call on the national executives in Abuja to caution him so that he does not destroy APC. The constitution allows free association, and the governor must respect that,” he said.
Oluyemo further disclosed that Ojo’s nomination and expression of interest forms, funded by his friends and supporters, would be collected at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday. He alleged that Ojo’s supporters were facing attacks, harassment, and even arrests on fabricated charges from government loyalists.
He called on the police at both state and federal levels to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries. He also appealed to the national leadership of APC and President Bola Tinubu to caution Oyebanji “against ordering the arrest, harassment, and maiming of APC members.”
“The forthcoming primary election is not a do-or-die affair,” Oluyemo stressed, urging party members to remain steadfast, law-abiding, and committed to mobilising across all 16 local government areas of the state.
ADEOLA KUNLE
