APC Members Rooting for BAO Ahead of Primary ~ Speaker Aribasoye

…says only revalidated party members will vote in the Option A4 direct primary

...lauds proactive security measures across Ekiti to safeguard lives and property

Ado Ekiti

October 8, 2025

Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Adeoye Aribasoye, has described Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) as a compassionate and people-centred leader whose humility and development-driven governance have endeared him to genuine members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 177 wards of the state.

Speaking on a Progress FM 100.5 program titled “Ṣé O Mọ BAO Dáadá?”, Aribasoye said APC members are resolute in their support for the Governor ahead of the October 27 governorship primary, noting that the contest within the party is not about who to vote for, but about the extent of delivery for BAO in every ward.

“Ward by ward in Ekiti, what’s happening now is total delivery for BAO. The competition is not about who to vote for; it’s about delivering 100% for BAO everywhere,” he said.

The Speaker explained that only registered and revalidated members of the APC are eligible to participate in the direct primary, which will hold simultaneously across all wards in the state. He clarified that the process will follow the Option A4 model, a system that allows party members to queue behind their preferred candidate in a transparent and inclusive manner.

According to him, votes cast in the direct primary will later be ratified by officially designated ratification delegates, making the exercise both participatory and democratic, which is in accordance with the party's electoral guidelines.

“It’s a direct primary; all revalidated members will vote at their various wards. After that, ratification delegates will affirm the outcome. There’s no contest, you only reap what you sow. Governor Oyebanji has been visible, loyal, and generous to the party, and the members are standing by him,” Aribasoye added.

He dismissed critics on social media as non-party members, stressing that the authentic APC family is united behind the Governor’s re-election bid.

The Speaker also applauded the Oyebanji-led administration for the massive road rehabilitation works currently ongoing across the state, which he said are already boosting economic activities and improving citizens’ livelihoods.

On the recent deployment of security personnel across Ado Ekiti and other strategic locations in the state, Aribasoye said the move was a proactive measure by Governor Oyebanji in line with his constitutional duty to protect lives and property. He noted that the governor’s action was not political, but purely preventive, aimed at forestalling infiltration and ensuring that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country.

According to him, the government could not afford to take chances, given the growing wave of insecurity in some neighbouring states, where cases of kidnapping and banditry had become worrisome.

“The constitution is very clear, the primary duty of any government is to safeguard lives and property. What the governor has done is a responsible step to prevent any breach of peace. We’ve seen what’s happening around us, and Ekiti cannot fold its arms until it escalates. The security deployment is a safety measure, not a sign of crisis,” the Speaker explained.

Speaking on why the legislative arm of government is strongly in support of continuity, Aribasoye explained that Ekiti gained nothing from the era of political hostility between the executive and the legislature in the past.

“We all saw what happened when the executive and legislative arms were at loggerheads. Ekiti didn’t gain anything from those periods of unnecessary conflict. There’s no good thing that comes out of fighting the executive arm. That’s why we in the legislature are standing with Governor Oyebanji for continuity, stability, and progress,” he said.

He emphasized that continuity of government remains the bedrock of sustainable development, citing Lagos as an example of how political stability and successive administrations working in alignment can transform a state.

“Continuity brings progress. It helps a government consolidate on its gains. Ekiti must not become an experimental ground where inexperienced people come and go at will. What we need is stability, peace, and steady development, and that’s what BAO represents,” the Speaker concluded.

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‘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.

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Tinubu’s Aide Rallies Ado APC for BAO’s Re-election, as Party Leaders Adopt Strategic Blueprint

October 5, 2025

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Hon. Moremi Ojudu, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado Ekiti to remain united and strategically positioned for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Ado APC Stakeholders’ Forum, Hon. Ojudu applauded the leaders for their continued loyalty and coordination, describing their collective resolve as a model for other local governments to emulate.

While dispelling speculations of any rift between Abuja-based political appointees and the state government, she reaffirmed the group’s total support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration and his second-term ambition.

“We are one family under the same progressive umbrella. There is no division whatsoever. Everyone appointed at the federal level from Ekiti is fully behind the Governor and committed to the success of his re-election project,” she assured.

Hon. Ojudu also used the platform to advocate strongly for Girl Child Education, describing it as one of the most sustainable ways to address Nigeria’s long-term socio-political and economic challenges.

She further disclosed plans to deploy her office to champion community-driven initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged women and youths across Ekiti State.

Earlier, the meeting, chaired by Chief Remi Oguntuase, adopted a strategic report designed to strengthen the party’s electoral structure ahead of the BAO re-election campaign. The report, presented by a committee led by Senator Bode Ola, was harmonized with the ongoing efforts of the BAO Primary Election Apex Committee chaired by Chief Bosun Osaloni.

Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to work as one family under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji, pledging to translate their unity into resounding victory at the polls.

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Ekiti APC Grassroots Across LGAs Assure Oyebanji of Block Votes at Primary

The wave of support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the October 27 APC governorship primary has continued to spread across Ekiti, with revalidated party members in various wards and local governments openly declaring their support for the governor’s return.

In Moba Local Government, Hon. Sunkanmi Onipede, speaking on behalf of the delegates, assured that the people of Moba were fully committed to delivering one hundred percent loyalty to Governor Oyebanji. “Our governor has not left us for a day; he has been consistent with us, and we cannot betray that,” he said.

At Irepodun/Ifelodun, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun rallied members from the local government, insisting that no propaganda or sudden promises could sway their decision. “BAO is tried and trusted, and our votes at the primary will reflect that reality,” he stressed.

Similarly, in Efon Local Government, Hon. Bose Olowookere, flanked by ward executives, reaffirmed that all 10 wards in the council area had resolved to stand firmly with Oyebanji. “Efon is his second home; this is not a contest for us, it is a reaffirmation of trust,” she declared.

The endorsement trail also extended to Oye Local Government, where Hon. Kemi Olaleye and Hon. Tope Longe noted that Oyebanji’s humility and accessibility had endeared him to both party members and ordinary citizens alike.

Delegates from Ido/Osi, Hon. Yomi Ayorinde, dismissed rival aspirant Kayode Ojo’s chances, describing him as “a WhatsApp politician without physical presence.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Alhaja Ogunlade Mariam from Emure said, “No leader is perfect, but Governor Oyebanji has touched every home. That alone gives him nine marks out of ten in performance, and that is why we are solidly behind him.”

With delegates' elections already in motion, the BAO Primary Election Committee expressed confidence that the loyalty shown by members in the wards would translate into a clear and overwhelming victory at the primaries.

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Breaking News: NWC May Shut the Door on Kayode Ojo’s Ambition

…as Petitions Against Him Too Weighty to Ignore

NaijaPulse

September 29, 2025 

The governorship ambition of Engr. Kayode Ojo is heading towards the rocks as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) prepares to decide his fate in the build-up to the Ekiti 2026 governorship primary.

Though the Screening Committee granted him only a provisional clearance, it cited weighty petitions that cast serious doubt on his eligibility under the party’s constitution. The matter has since been referred to the NWC, which now holds the final say.

Central to the petitions is the allegation that Ojo failed to meet the constitutional requirements for nomination. He was said to have fallen short of the mandatory threshold of valid nominators from across the 16 local government areas. Some NWC members warn that ignoring these irregularities could drag the APC into protracted litigations that may jeopardize its unity and electoral chances.

A party insider explained: “The petitions against Kayode Ojo are too weighty to be ignored. If he is cleared and by some miracle wins, which is very unlikely, the litigation that will follow will cost the party dearly. That is why the NWC, when it meets, will most likely not clear him.”

Beyond the petitions, another major setback for Ojo is his strained relationship with party leaders. Known for his unguarded and abrasive style of vituperation, Ojo has, on several occasions, launched verbal attacks on elders and leaders of the APC, including members of the NWC.

He is alleged to have branded them as “corrupt, biased and self-serving” in the past, a posture that may now return to haunt him, with the same leaders set to decide his political future.

This history of strained ties could weigh heavily against him. “He has abused and insulted the very people who will sit in judgment over him. That alone is another stumbling block,” a source hinted.

As the NWC prepares to make its final pronouncement, there is little or no tension within the Ekiti APC, as the party has already adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO) and conceded victory to him in advance. Whether Ojo is cleared or not makes no difference, as the consensus across the party structure is that the primary election is already a walkover for BAO.

As of 5:00pm on September 29, 2025, the National Working Committee has not convened to deliberate on the petitions. Therefore, any report suggesting that Engr. Kayode Ojo has been cleared should be regarded as false and misleading until an official pronouncement is made by the NWC.

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Ekiti 2026: While Other Aspirants Hunt for Validators, Oyebanji’s Structure Dominates the Field

In Ekiti politics, the difference between wishful thinking and real contest is now becoming glaring, as reality is dawning on those whose political structures are only on social media.

While Engr. Kayode Ojo, popularly known as the Provisional TEMU aspirant, is still running helter-skelter in search of just five registered validators per local government across the 16 LGAs, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election machinery has been firing on all cylinders, from state to local government to the grassroots.

The BAO Primary Election Committee, chaired by Chief Alaba Abejide with Mr. Ayodeji Adarabierin as Secretary, has already inaugurated executives in all local governments and wasted no time in hitting the wards with a mobilisation tour that covers the entire 177 wards of the state.

For party members, the APC primary of October 27, 2025, is already seen as a walkover for Oyebanji. But true to his style, the governor has refused to take chances. Every structure is in place, every base covered. That, insiders say, is the mark of a serious contender, not the antics of aspirants who mistake WhatsApp platforms for constituencies and polling units.

Politics is not played on social media. It is played on the field. Governor Oyebanji has shown that he has the people, the structure, and the achievements to return to Òkè Ayọba. That’s the difference. 

In Efon, Hon. Bose Olowookere declared Oyebanji’s candidacy a “homecoming,” stressing that the governor is a son of the soil whose first term has brought pride to the community. Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun in Irepodun/Ifelodun assured that grassroots mobilisation would be “unstoppable,” while Hon. Bosun Osaloni in Ado charged members to remain steadfast because “nobody can defeat our principal.”

The ward-to-ward tour, which kicked off September 29 and continues through early October, is deepening grassroots participation and reinforcing Oyebanji’s overwhelming acceptance across Ekiti.

While some are still struggling with paperwork, a barrage of petitions, and NWC clearance that may not come, Governor Oyebanji’s camp has already won over the entire structures, winning the hearts of party faithful and celebrating victory in advance.

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Party Loyalists Mock Kayode Ojo After Failing Nomination Requirement

...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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