By Ismaeel Aleem
In an escalating political drama ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Engineer Kayode Ojo, has condemned Governor Biodun Oyebanji for allegedly intimidating party leaders to block rival contenders.
Ojo described the governor’s conduct as a brazen attempt to monopolise the party, in violation of both the APC constitution and Nigeria’s fundamental rights.
The controversy flared after Oyebanji, while receiving his nomination forms from supporters on Friday, issued a stern warning to local government and ward chairmen.
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“I want to see the local government chairman and the ward chairman of APC that will open their doors and offices for these people,” Oyebanji declared, referring to other aspirants such as Ojo.
“I want to know the party member who will receive them.”
Ojo’s campaign organisation, led by Olukayode Oluyemo, Chairman of the Consultative Forum of Kayode Ojo, swiftly hit back on Sunday, denouncing the governor’s remarks as “ludicrous and vexatious.”
Speaking at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, Oluyemo accused Oyebanji of attempting to transform the APC into his “private fiefdom” and trampling on members’ rights to free association.
“This threat is a clear violation of Article 9(3) of the APC Constitution and Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution,” Oluyemo said, urging President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Executive Council, and security agencies to intervene and ensure a level playing field.
Ojo’s camp further alleged persistent harassment, citing attacks on his supporters in Moba, Igede, and Ado-Ekiti, with some members reportedly facing false charges of serious crimes, including armed robbery and kidnapping.
A prominent engineer and businessman, Ojo highlighted his extensive contributions to both the party and the state.
These, he said, included an ₦80 million donation of fire hoses to the Ekiti International Cargo Airport and the provision of scholarships worth billions for students.
He dismissed Oyebanji’s claims that he had not supported the party’s growth as “cheap and laughable,” and vowed to clinch victory at the APC primaries slated for 27 October 2025.
“We are determined to govern Ekiti and end the inexplicable stagnation despite our potential and federal allocations,” Oluyemo added on Ojo’s behalf.
The clash comes amid growing tensions within the Ekiti APC.
Only days earlier, the party had cautioned members against launching online attacks on Oyebanji, who himself alleged a smear campaign.
At Monday’s endorsement rally for Tinubu and Oyebanji, party leaders stressed that the event did not exclude other aspirants from pursuing their ambitions.
Supporters of Ojo are expected to pick up his nomination forms in Abuja tomorrow, a move seen as a firm signal that he will not back down.
Neither Oyebanji nor his aides have responded directly to the fresh allegations, although the governor’s office has previously dismissed claims of intimidation.
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With the primaries fast approaching, calls for transparency and fairness have grown louder, as stakeholders warn that persistent infighting could threaten the APC’s grip on Ekiti State.
Ojo, meanwhile, urged members to mobilise without fear, pledging to run a campaign anchored on development and unity.
