BREAKING: APC Disqualifies Kayode Ojo from Ekiti Gubernatorial Race – Full Analysis

Introduction

The political landscape of Ekiti State took an unexpected turn on 9 October 2025 when the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced the disqualification of Engineer Kayode Ojo from its upcoming gubernatorial primary. The decision, delivered by Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko in Abuja, has sparked intense debate among party members, political analysts, and the electorate. This article offers a comprehensive, SEO‑optimized overview of the event, examining the background, the party’s rationale, and the broader implications for the Ekiti gubernatorial election slated for 27 October 2025.

Analysis

What triggered the disqualification?

According to the official APC statement, Ojo’s visit to the party secretariat in Ado‑Ekiti on Thursday was met with a “no‑reception” protocol. The party framed the episode as a breach of internal discipline, arguing that Ojo failed to adhere to the procedural guidelines governing aspirants during the pre‑primary period.

Key figures cleared to contest

During the same press briefing, Meseko confirmed that incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and former First Lady Omolayo Oluremi have been officially cleared to run in the APC primary. Their clearance underscores the party’s intent to streamline the contest around established incumbents and high‑profile allies.

Ojo’s campaign activities prior to the ruling

Before the disqualification, Ojo embarked on a statewide tour covering all 16 local government areas (LGAs) of Ekiti. Supporters reported that his entourage temporarily blocked traffic in Ado‑Ekiti as a show of force ahead of the primary scheduled for 27 October. This aggressive mobilization may have contributed to heightened tensions within the party.

Procedural context within the APC

The APC’s constitution stipulates that aspirants must obtain a formal “clearance certificate” from the state secretariat before undertaking any public campaign activity. Failure to secure this clearance can result in sanctions, including disqualification from the primary. The party’s spokesperson cited this rule as the legal basis for Ojo’s removal.

Summary

In summary, the APC’s decision to bar Engineer Kayode Ojo from the Ekiti gubernatorial primary reflects a strict enforcement of internal party regulations. While Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and Omolayo Oluremi remain cleared to contest, Ojo’s exclusion may reshape the competitive dynamics of the upcoming election, potentially consolidating support behind the two cleared candidates.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For aspiring politicians

Anyone planning to run for a major office under the APC banner should:

1. Secure a clearance certificate from the state secretariat before any public appearance.
2. Maintain open communication with party officials to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Document all interactions with party structures to protect against future disputes.

For party officials

To minimize internal conflict, the APC should consider:

• Publishing a clear, step‑by‑step guide on aspirant registration.
• Holding pre‑primary workshops in each LGA to educate candidates.
• Establishing an appeals mechanism that allows aspirants to contest disqualification decisions promptly.

Points of Caution

While the party’s decision appears procedurally sound, there are several risks to monitor:

• Legal challenges: Ojo could file a case alleging procedural unfairness, potentially delaying the primary.
• Grassroots backlash: Supporters who witnessed the traffic blockades may view the disqualification as punitive, affecting the party’s popularity in certain LGAs.
• Media narrative: News outlets may frame the ruling as an internal power struggle, influencing public perception of APC’s democratic credentials.

Comparison

APC vs. opposition parties on aspirant clearance

Unlike the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti traditionally allows aspirants to campaign before obtaining formal clearance, relying more heavily on internal consensus building. This procedural flexibility can lead to a larger pool of candidates but also increases the likelihood of intra‑party disputes. In contrast, the APC’s stricter approach aims to present a united front but may suppress emerging voices.

Historical precedent within the APC

In the 2019 Ekiti gubernatorial primary, the APC disqualified two lesser‑known aspirants for similar procedural breaches. Those cases resulted in legal appeals that were eventually dismissed, reinforcing the party’s precedent that compliance with internal rules is non‑negotiable.

Legal Implications

Under the Political Parties Act 2022, parties are empowered to set internal rules for candidate selection, provided those rules do not contravene the Constitution. The APC’s disqualification of Kayode Ojo appears to be consistent with its own constitution and the Act’s provisions for “disciplinary measures.” However, any aspirant who feels aggrieved may seek judicial review on the grounds of “natural justice,” arguing that the party failed to give adequate notice or an opportunity to be heard. Courts have historically been reluctant to intervene in party affairs unless there is clear evidence of statutory violation.

Conclusion

The removal of Engineer Kayode Ojo from the APC’s Ekiti gubernatorial primary underscores the party’s commitment to procedural discipline ahead of the 27 October election. While the decision aligns with the APC’s internal rules, it also opens the door to potential legal challenges and could influence voter sentiment, especially among Ojo’s supporters. For the APC, the key to a successful primary will be transparent communication and swift resolution of any disputes, ensuring that the party presents a cohesive slate of candidates to the electorate.

FAQ