...as APC Screening Panel Refers Case to NWC
NaijaPulse
September 26, 2025
The governorship aspiration of Engr. Kayode Ojo has come under heavy ridicule from party loyalists after the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee flagged his failure to secure the mandatory five valid nominators per local government, a constitutional requirement for eligibility in the 2026 Ekiti governorship primary.
The screening panel, in its report, stressed that Ojo’s documentation fell short of the party’s guidelines, thereby casting serious doubt on his qualification to contest. His case has now been referred to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) for further determination.
By contrast, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo were given full clearance, while Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi was disqualified outright for failing to provide evidence of being a financially up-to-date party member.
The screening verdict has generated a flurry of reactions among APC loyalists and political watchers in Ekiti, with many interpreting it as a crippling blow to Ojo’s long-standing governorship ambition.
Ayodeji Olarewaju (Aduroja), a party loyalist, said Ojo’s inability to secure valid nominators across all local governments was proof of his lack of grassroots support.
“Someone that cannot muster five nominators per local government is not politically on ground. I stand to be corrected,” he said.
Aduroja added that Ojo’s approach to politics, marked by disregard for elders and grassroots leaders, had backfired.
“While Governor Oyebanji was touring and seeking support from leaders who matter in the selection process, Ojo’s camp was busy criticising him. Some even said elders did not matter and wanted to infuse fresh blood. Now the results are clear, Kayode Ojo could not get five nominators per local government. It is a solid fact that shows his political support is non-existent, contrary to the posture of his online supporters,” he declared.
Another party loyalist, identified as Dbaba, noted that Ojo’s case now lies before the APC National Secretary, a development he described as ironic.
"His case has been referred to the National Working Committee, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, whom he has long disparaged, will now be among those deciding his fate. Karma has indeed caught up with him," he remarked.
For Comrade Maxwell, the screening setback has clearly exposed Ojo’s lack of presidential backing. “Even if he is eventually cleared, this has further shown that he is not known in the Villa and was never a Villa candidate, contrary to the impression he has long been brandishing. I have never, for one day, doubted Governor Oyebanji’s re-election,” Maxwell insisted.
Asiwaju Oladimeji, reflecting on Ojo’s past and present attempts, criticised what he described as arrogance and poor political preparation.
“If as an aspirant you are unable to get just five mandatory valid nominations per local government in Ekiti State, you have no business picking up the nomination form in the first instance. This was the same arrogance that ruined his last outing. Who are his advisers? Who are the people working for him across the wards and LGAs?” he queried.
Oladimeji, who said he worked closely with Ojo during the 2022 election cycle, was emphatic that the 2026 race was already settled.
“Like I said, there will not be any contest. Governor Oyebanji is winning with ease. If you think otherwise, wait till October 27,” he asserted.
The flood of reactions highlights a growing consensus within APC circles that Oyebanji’s clearance has consolidated his path to re-election, while Ojo’s failure to meet the basic nomination threshold may end his ambition before the primaries even commence.
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