Some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State have petitioned the party’s Governorship Screening Committee, urging it to disqualify an aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, from the forthcoming primaries.
Addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Mr. Jogunola Joel Tolani of Ayetoro Ward 2, Ido/Osi Local Government, and Mr. Alake Busuyi of Aisegba Ward 8, Aiyekire/Gbonyi Local Government and Mr Tayo Ogunlusi from Irepodun, said they were speaking on behalf of over 50 concerned party members who jointly signed and endorsed the petition.
The petitioners alleged that Ojo’s nomination form contained several irregularities, according to a review by their lawyers.
Out of the 122 names listed as nominators, 68 were not valid APC members in Ekiti State. Only 54 valid nominators were confirmed, falling short of the required 80, the petition said.
According to them, Ojo failed to meet the mandatory spread of at least five nominators from each local government, as stipulated in the party’s guidelines.
Despite the alleged lapses, they said Ojo declared full compliance, which they described as “deceitful” and misleading.
Tolani and Busuyi stressed that such actions undermine APC’s values of honesty, transparency and integrity.
They called on the Screening Committee to uphold the party’s constitution and guidelines by ensuring that only aspirants who meet all requirements are cleared.
“The integrity of our party’s selection process must not be compromised. We trust the Screening Committee to demonstrate courage and fairness in its decision,” they said.
The petitioners further urged APC members and the public to remain vigilant in order to prevent any breach of party rules ahead of the 2025 governorship primary.
Reacting to the petition, Alhaji Deji Ayelabowo described the petitioners as jesters and desperate people, adding that nobody can stop Kayode Ojo from contesting the Ekiti 2026 governorship election.
Ayelabowo further noted that “nobody can undo what God has done”.
Ekiti Guber Poll: APC members petition Screening Committee over Kayode Ojo’s clearance
