Ekiti politician Kayode Ojo declares governorship bid, criticizes Oyebanji’s leadership

Prominent politician, Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, officially submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the Ekiti State Governorship election at the APC Party Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, signaling his intention to contest as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming election.

In his address, Engr. Ojo thanked the APC National Executive Council for their warm reception and praised the party’s commitment to democratic values. He dismissed claims by the APC National Secretary that securing a nomination form was unnecessary due to the lack of a vacancy, emphasizing that the people of Ekiti are demanding change and his candidacy answers that call.

Ojo criticized the National Secretary for displaying bias towards the incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi Oyebanji, arguing that this undermines the fairness of the upcoming primary elections.

He condemned Governor Oyebanji’s administration for failing to deliver meaningful development despite substantial federal allocations of over N292 billion and internally generated revenue of nearly N90 billion between November 2022 and June 2025. Ojo added that local governments received more than N150 billion, yet tangible progress remains absent.

Highlighting the administration’s shortcomings, Ojo questioned the absence of landmark projects and cited the governor’s daughter’s wedding held outside Ekiti as evidence of a lack of confidence in the state’s achievements.

The aspirant accused Governor Oyebanji of weakening the APC by reducing party membership and engaging in divisive acts, including the suspension of Ojo’s supporters. He further alleged that the governor has empowered opposition elements through appointments and fomented violence within the party ranks.

Outlining his vision, Engr. Ojo stressed unity within the APC, efficient resource management, infrastructural and agricultural development, enhanced education and welfare, local government autonomy, and the development of Ado-Ekiti as a progressive state capital. He pledged alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ojo appealed for a free, fair, and secure primary election, confident in his ability to secure the party’s nomination and win the general election. He concluded by invoking blessings on the APC, Ekiti State, and Nigeria.