BAO Confirmed as APC Candidate for Ekiti 2026, Kayode Ojo’s Claims Debunked

By Bidemi Martins

The APC Integrity Caucus, in its press statement issued on Tuesday, has confirmed that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) is officially the party’s candidate for the Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election, dismissing recent social media claims suggesting otherwise. The party described these claims as false and misleading.

According to the caucus, “Submission of nomination forms (EC9/EC9B) runs from 28 November to 22 December 2025, with publication of personal particulars scheduled for 29 December. Candidate withdrawals or replacements close on 12 January 2026, and the final submission of nomination forms (EC18B) is set for 16 January 2026. The final list of candidates will be published on 19 January 2026, ahead of the election on 20 June 2026. BAO’s particulars will be uploaded to INEC’s portal starting 28 November 2025.”

The caucus further stated that those spreading false narratives are supporters of Kayode Ojo, who have failed to understand the party’s internal processes. 

“Many of them did not properly defect to APC to participate in party activities, while others skipped the mandatory membership revalidation exercise held between August and October 2025,” the caucus said.

“Instead of preparing, they remained on social media, spreading lies and propaganda, including absurd claims that primaries would be held in Abuja, ignoring both the party’s guidelines and INEC’s timetable,” it added.

“Even after the primary election concluded, the winner was announced, and the name forwarded to the National Working Committee (NWC), Ojo’s supporters continued to cling to the fantasy that he, screened out and absent from the primary, could somehow appear as the party’s candidate,” the caucus said, describing these actions as the delusions of people hallucinating about relevance in a contest that has long been settled.

The APC Integrity Caucus urged the public to disregard falsehoods and rely solely on verified sources for accurate information ahead of the Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election.

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Kayode Ojo’s Men in Trouble as INEC PRO Vows to Report False Claims to DSS, Police

Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, former INEC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Ekiti, has vowed to report individuals spreading false statements attributed to him to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police. He warned that any attempt to tarnish his reputation could trigger legal action.

The controversy follows claims by associates of Engr. Kayode Ojo suggesting that the APC is delaying the submission of its governorship candidate’s particulars for the 2026 Ekiti State election because it has internal issues. 

One of Ojo’s media men had been quoted as saying that Alhaji Gbadegesin stated in a radio interview, "Parties that have not submitted names might have intentions to change candidates or issues to sort out."

Gbadegesin, however, firmly debunked the report, clarifying that he has been stationed in Lagos since December 2021 and formally disengaged from the Ekiti office. He emphasized that he has not granted any interviews in Ekiti recently, especially in light of personal circumstances following the passing of his wife.

"I'm requesting information about individuals spreading false information about me. I've been stationed in Lagos since December 2021 and have formally disengaged from the Ekiti office. I'm concerned that some individuals may be attempting to damage my reputation, especially as I plan to retire from the Commission soon.

The author of the fake report should provide details of the interview, including the time and radio station. In Lagos, interviews are carefully censored and require approval from the Hon. REC. I've not granted any recent interviews, especially given my personal circumstances following my wife's passing.

I'll be reporting this incident to the Police and DSS, and I request that you help verify the claim. Let's maintain peace and stability in Ekiti State, where I've served for 17 years." Gbadegesin said.

According to official timelines, the APC has completed all processes for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election. These include the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, delegates congress, and the governorship primary held on October 29, and ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) on October 30, 2025.

INEC’s nomination portal is set to open on November 28, 2025, and will remain accessible until December 22, 2025, with the final deadline for submission on January 16, 2026. Campaigns for the June 20, 2026 election are scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026.

The APC, through one of its media body, Renewed Media Agenda (RMA), later clarified that its timetable is fully aligned with INEC’s schedule and stressed that the party has completed all internal processes well before the official submission window. RMA noted that rumours of delays are unfounded and stem from individuals dissatisfied with the party’s primary outcomes.

“The APC has done its part and is simply waiting for INEC’s portal to open. No political party can submit a candidate before November 28, and everything is proceeding exactly as the law provides,” RMA said.

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