Kayode Ojo Enters Ekiti Governorship Race, Vows to Unseat Incumbent Oyebanji
Ekiti State’s political dynamics are poised for a shakeup as Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, a seasoned technocrat and current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, formally declared his interest in contesting the 2026 Ekiti governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement delivered by former Ekiti Assembly Speaker Kolawole Adefemi, who secured Ojo’s N50 million nomination form on his behalf at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Ojo’s entry into the race is now official.
Adefemi underscored that Ojo brings a bold and transformative vision for Ekiti, anchored on human capital development through targeted investments in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. His blueprint also highlights enhanced focus on key economic sectors like agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and security.
The announcement comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in Ekiti, where whispers of discontent within the ruling party are growing. Recently, Wale Ade-Oba, a prominent aide and member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Board, defected to publicly back Ojo’s ambition. Ade-Oba cited concerns over Governor Oyebanji’s governance approach, particularly regarding exclusion of dedicated party loyalists and underperformance in delivering widespread development across local communities.
That departure has reportedly triggered further unease within the APC’s internal structures, signaling cracks that may widen as the election season unfolds. Adding to this, Akogun Abayomi ‘Lustay’ Olumide, former Chairman of the Ekiti Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, alleges that his abrupt sack was directly tied to his support for Ojo’s emergent campaign, not due to misconduct, as earlier claimed by the administration.
Political analysts observe that Ojo’s entry represents a significant development in Ekiti’s intra-party dynamics. A rising perception of disconnection between Governor Oyebanji and grassroots supporters, coupled with strategic defections, suggests that Ojo’s campaign may catalyze a realignment of APC loyalties in Ekiti.
Despite these rumblings, Governor Oyebanji firmly maintains his loyalty to the APC and continues to command institutional support. He has openly denied any plans to defect to opposition parties and reiterated his commitment to delivering results for Ekiti residents. His administration remains active in consolidating support, especially across key grassroots mobilization structures.
