‘It’ll Be a Carnival for BAO on Primary Day,’ Says Karounwi

...as Oyebanji Personally Funds Party Executives from His Purse

October 6, 2025

Former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi, has described the forthcoming APC governorship primary in Ekiti as a “carnival-like celebration” for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, noting that the governor’s popularity has made the contest more of a formality than a competition.

Karounwi, who spoke during Ṣ’óo mọ BAO, a radio programme aired on Voice FM, Ado Ekiti, said that the party’s adoption of direct primaries reflects the strength of its internal democracy and the confidence of members in the leadership of Governor Oyebanji.

“All card-carrying members of the APC will queue behind their chosen aspirants in their wards. From all indications, Ekiti people have already decided to stand firmly behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” he said.

He said the forthcoming primary is going to be a “carnival-like atmosphere” for BAO across the 177 wards of Ekiti, adding that “even non-APC members will attend to witness history because the love for BAO cuts across party lines.”

While reacting to concerns raised by some party faithful over rumours that the primary might be moved to Abuja, Karounwi clarified that the election will hold in Ekiti, strictly in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.

“There’s no cause for alarm. The primaries will be held here in Ekiti. All machinery is already in motion to ensure a transparent and credible process,” he assured.

Across the 177 wards, party faithful have begun mobilising, describing the forthcoming exercise as a “festival of democracy” in support of Governor Oyebanji’s people-centred leadership.

Karounwi also recalled his recent trip to Abuja when Governor Oyebanji went to submit his nomination form, noting that he was impressed by the firm stance of the APC national leadership during the session.

“I was in Abuja when the governor went to submit his form. I was so happy with what the party said, they made it clear that because of their past experiences, they will not field anyone who is not qualified, whose emergence could lead to continuous legal tussles arising from violations of election guidelines. That’s a very strong message,” he said.

Speaking further, Karounwi emphasized that Governor Oyebanji has continued to set an ethical standard in leadership by personally funding the welfare of party executives at all levels, from ward to state.

The governor pays all party Exco members from his own purse, from ward to local government and up to state level. This is in line with best practices and the lessons from the Coker Commission of Inquiry, which warned and almost convicted the late sage Pa Obafemi Awolowo for using Western Government money to fund party activities. BAO understands that governance and party structure must be financially independent,” he explained.

The APC stalwart noted that Oyebanji’s selfless approach to party administration has endeared him even more to members across the state, who now see him as a model of humility, transparency, and fairness.

“The governor’s sincerity and consistency have made him the rallying point for all. That is why this primary election won’t be just a political process, it will be a celebration of good leadership and loyalty,” he added.

Karounwi also hinted that the party leadership is already liaising with relevant agencies, including INEC and security bodies, to guarantee a hitch-free exercise across the state.

With the level of preparation and enthusiasm witnessed across Ekiti, the APC primary is expected to reaffirm Oyebanji’s broad acceptance and further consolidate the unity of the party in the state.