By Jude Opara, Abuja
Ahead of the primary election of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 Ekiti state governorship election, some stakeholders in the state have vowed to rescue the state from the hands of the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Pioneer Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Kolawole Adefemi who led a contingent of party faithful to purchase the Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms on behalf of the Pro Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Engineer Kayode Ojo said they are poised to ensure that the governor dose not win the party’s ticket when the primary takes place on October 27.
Adefemi added that the choice of Engr. Ojo is because of his sterling qualities and contributions to the growth of the state and the APC, coupled with the need to rescue the state from Governor Oyebanji, whom he said has squandered the All the good will he has prior to the 2023 elections.
“This is more than a contest for the ticket of our party: it is the launch of Ekitt State Rescue Mission. A mission championed by Engr. Kayode Ojo, a man whose life in business and public service has been defined by excellence, capacity, integrity, and delivery. From boardrooms where he built enterprises that created jobs, to his tenure as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he restored stability after a turbulent period, Ojo has consistently demonstrated competence and vision.
“Ekiti is bleeding The state has lost its way under the incompetent leadership of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and our people are yearning for a leader who can restore confidence, ignite development, and deliver good governance”.
The group equally accused the governor of neglecting the party on whose platform he rose to office as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Since ascending to office, Governor Oyebanji has presided over what many describe as the systematic dismantling of the party machinery that once carried him to power. Rather than consolidating the APC as a united force, his administration has been marked by neglect, exclusion, and political insensitivity. The same grassroots leaders and party stakeholders who championed his candidacy, endured the rigours of campaigning and delivered victory at the polls have now been alienated and left to languish in irrelevance”.
Adefemi equally alleged that Governor Oyebanji has been dishonest in his relationship with the state legislature.
“Instead of empowering APC legislators and positioning them as vital partners in governance, Oyebanji has systematically stripped them of influence and excluded
them from decision-making processes. Lawmakers who should be the bridge between the government and the grassroots have been rendered spectators, unable to meaningfully
represent their constituencies”.
According to the governor’s antagonists, the APC membership list has been drastically pruned down for his alleged ulterior motive.
“Even more alarming is the manipulation of party membership data. Under Governor Oyebanji’s watch, verified APC membership figures have mysteriously plummeted from 186,000 to just 114,000. This is not a reflection of dwindling support, it is a deliberate attempt to shrink the support base of our great party for his ulterior motive and that of his godfathers”.
Adefemi further regretted that Ekiti state has become very underdeveloped with collapsed infrastructure while the governor is embarking on irrelevant and unreasonable disbursement of public funds.
“Instead of fixing power, roads, schools, or hospitals, the governor has diverted billions into endorsement jamborees designed to manufacture popularity without success. Ekiti people deserve working roads and clinics and not intimidation of loyal party members. Over N20 billion under different configurations has been expended on endorsement since he assumed office”.
In her remarks, Mrs. Monica Adesola Olajuyigbe (nee Adekunle Fajuyi) said collecting the forms marks an important step in Engr. Ojo’s commitment to providing purposeful and people-centered leadership for Ekiti State.
Mrs. Olajuyigbe added that Engr. Ojo enters this race with clean hands, a clear vision, and a compassionate heart. His mission is to unite the APC family, empower the youth, support women, and deliver inclusive development across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.
