All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred Mr. Kayode Ojo, a frontline aspirant, from participating in its upcoming Ekiti State governorship primary, following a decision by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Thursday.
Ojo’s disqualification comes on the heels of an earlier decision that dropped Olajumoke Olawuni from the race, narrowing the field to just two contenders: the incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo.
The development followed recommendations submitted by the Ekiti State Governorship Screening Committee, which reviewed the credentials and nomination filings of all aspirants ahead of the October 27 primary.
> “The disqualification of the two aspirants was predicated on the fact that their filings did not conform with the provisions of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act,” said Mr. Duro Meseko, APC’s National Secretary, while addressing journalists after the NWC meeting.
He stressed that the party was committed to enforcing internal discipline and ensuring that all contestants adhere strictly to constitutional requirements.
> “The NWC deliberated extensively on the screening report and reached this decision in the interest of due process and fairness,” Meseko added.
Ojo, a businessman and current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), had initially received provisional clearance, pending the outcome of several petitions raised against his nomination.
The petitions, according to party sources, flagged issues including his alleged failure to secure the minimum number of valid nominators across local government areas, as required under Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution and Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Ojo has been a recurring political figure in Ekiti State and is known for his open criticisms of the party’s internal structures in the state—a factor believed to have complicated his standing with the party’s leadership.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the APC NWC also announced the dissolution of the Enugu State Working Committee, citing persistent factional crises and leadership paralysis.
> “The party’s Enugu State chapter has unfortunately been embroiled in deep divisions for a long time. In spite of several attempts by the national leadership to reconcile the factions, the situation only worsened,” Meseko said.
To restore order, the NWC has appointed a seven-member caretaker committee, led by Dr. Ben Nwoye as Chairman and Eugene Odo as Secretary. Other members include Mrs. Fidelia Njoeze, Peter Chime, Dr. Obi Aji, Dr. Chidozie Nwafo, and Mr. Iman Eke. The committee will be formally inaugurated on October 10.
Meseko also disclosed plans for the launch of the Bisi Akande-led National Reconciliation Committee, alongside the activation of a Constitution Amendment Committee, which is expected to hold public hearings across the country later this month.
On preparations for other elections, the APC said nomination forms for the Osun governorship election will go on sale starting October 20, as part of broader efforts to maintain momentum ahead of key political contests in Anambra and Osun States.
Meseko reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.
> “All decisions are in line with our Constitution and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for inclusive governance,” he concluded.
NAN
