EKITI 2026: KAYODE OJO VOWS TO DEFEAT GOV. OYEBANJI IN OPEN PLAY, NOT PETITIONS
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
Tensions are escalating within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in anticipation of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, as one of the prominent candidates, Kayode Ojo, has publicly asserted that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will be overcome “on the field” instead of through petitions or clandestine tactics.
Addressing reporters following his appearance before the APC Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, Ojo, who refrained from directly criticizing the governor, accused certain unnamed entities of attempting to undermine his aspirations through baseless petitions.
He emphasized that his priority is securing the ticket and ensuring victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2026.
“They have submitted several petitions against me here, which I will officially respond to later today. But there is no cause for alarm.
“Why I didn’t petition against the governor is because we want to defeat him on the field, not in the boardroom” he stated.
The APC veteran, who characterized himself as a devoted party member and “unrepentant supporter” of President Tinubu, dismissed accusations of engaging in anti-party activities, underscoring his contributions to party members through employment, empowerment, and educational initiatives.
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He also refuted any suggestions of stepping aside for Oyebanji or any other candidates. “We are in this race to win, and we are winning by God’s grace,” he proclaimed assertively.
Regarding the potential for consensus, Ojo was assertive. “If the party agrees for a consensus, I know that I will be the consensus candidate. Just be sure about that,” he stated.
Meanwhile, another candidate, Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, also faced the screening panel, asserting that she possessed the most compelling qualifications to secure the ticket.
She highlighted her experience in entrepreneurship, youth and women empowerment, as well as involvement in road construction projects in Ekiti as evidence of her preparedness to lead.
However, Olawunmi also raised concerns about a petition reportedly filed against her, questioning how her confidential form became public. “That should be a minus on the part of the party. Somebody had access to my form, and they have to answer that question,” she asserted, suggesting sabotage by competing factions determined to hinder her prospects.
Nevertheless, she dismissed the idea of withdrawing for any candidate, stating that only President Tinubu could convince her to step aside. “If the president decides he has somebody else, I will step down. Any other person, no,” she stated.
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