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Abuja, Nigeria – August 26, 2025 – The race for the 2027 Ekiti State governorship election has taken a decisive turn as Engineer Kayode Ojo, a prominent stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally declared his intention to contest the state’s highest office. In a bold move signaling his ambition to unseat the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, Ojo’s nomination and expression of interest forms, valued at N50 million, were procured on Tuesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. The event, marked by a display of political strength, was led by a high-powered delegation headed by former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Adefemi, and supported by a large entourage, including Mrs. Monica Adesola Olajuyigbe (née Adekunle Fajuyi).
Speaking on behalf of Ojo, Hon. Adefemi unveiled an ambitious and transformative development agenda, positioning the aspirant as a visionary leader poised to redefine Ekiti’s economic identity and elevate its status on the global stage. The announcement, delivered with conviction and punctuated by promises of sweeping reforms, underscored Ojo’s determination to challenge the status quo and deliver a new era of prosperity for Ekiti State. With a focus on human capital development, agricultural modernization, tourism, infrastructure, and security, Ojo’s vision promises to transform Ekiti into a hub of innovation, trade, and opportunity.
A Vision for Transformation
Hon. Adefemi, articulating Ojo’s agenda, described it as a bold blueprint designed to address Ekiti’s longstanding challenges while capitalizing on its untapped potential. At the heart of Ojo’s vision is a commitment to human capital development, with a focus on strengthening education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. “Engineer Kayode Ojo is determined to empower the people of Ekiti by equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a modern economy,” Adefemi stated. He emphasized that Ojo’s administration would prioritize investments in quality education, establish vocational training centers to bridge skill gaps, and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to flourish.
The education sector, Adefemi noted, would receive significant attention, with plans to modernize schools, improve teacher training, and integrate technology into classrooms. By fostering a culture of innovation and lifelong learning, Ojo aims to prepare Ekiti’s youth for the demands of the 21st-century economy. Additionally, entrepreneurship programs would be rolled out to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with access to funding, mentorship, and market linkages to drive economic growth at the grassroots level.
Revolutionizing Agriculture
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Ekiti’s economy, is set to undergo a radical transformation under Ojo’s leadership. Adefemi outlined a comprehensive agricultural reform program aimed at shifting Ekiti farmers from subsistence practices to commercial agribusiness. “We will move away from traditional farming methods and embrace modern technology to boost productivity,” he said. The plan includes the introduction of advanced farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and mechanization, to enhance yields and ensure food security.
Ojo’s vision also emphasizes the development of expanded value chains to add value to agricultural products and increase their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. By investing in agro-processing industries and establishing partnerships with private sector players, the aspirant aims to position Ekiti as a leading exporter of high-value crops, such as cocoa, yam, and cassava. Adefemi highlighted that these reforms would not only create jobs but also attract foreign investment, positioning Ekiti as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Unlocking Tourism Potential
Tourism, another critical pillar of Ojo’s agenda, is poised to become a major driver of economic growth in Ekiti. Adefemi revealed that Ojo plans to invest heavily in upgrading the state’s historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Ikogosi Warm Springs, the Fajuyi Memorial Park, and the Olowe of Ise Museum, to attract both domestic and international visitors. “Ekiti is a land of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and we will showcase it to the world,” he said.
To support this vision, Ojo intends to establish professional hospitality training institutes to build a skilled workforce capable of delivering world-class services to tourists. Additionally, global promotional campaigns would be launched to market Ekiti as a premier tourism destination, with a focus on eco-tourism, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism. Adefemi emphasized that these initiatives would create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people, and generate significant revenue for the state.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of Ojo’s vision, with a flagship project that has already captured the imagination of many: the construction of a state-of-the-art super-highway linking Ekiti directly to Nigeria’s coastal seaports, particularly Lekki in Lagos. Adefemi described the project as a “game-changer” that would transform Ekiti into a pivotal inland logistics hub. “This visionary infrastructure will establish Ekiti as a dry port where goods bound for the northern corridor converge, streamlining national trade routes and cutting transit costs,” he declared.
The super-highway, according to Adefemi, would facilitate the movement of goods and services, providing businesses in Ekiti with direct access to imported machinery, equipment, and essential commodities. The project is expected to drive industrial expansion, attract significant domestic and foreign investment, and create thousands of jobs. Adefemi stressed that the initiative would be delivered through close collaboration with the Federal Government and key international development partners, ensuring its timely completion and long-term sustainability.
Beyond the super-highway, Ojo’s infrastructure agenda includes improving road networks across the state, enhancing energy supply through investments in renewable energy, and expanding digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide. These efforts, Adefemi noted, are designed to stimulate trade, attract investment, and position Ekiti as a hub for innovation and technology.
A Critique of the Status Quo
In a direct critique of the incumbent administration, Adefemi argued that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance does not justify a second term. While acknowledging the governor’s efforts, he contended that Ekiti requires a more ambitious and innovative leadership approach to unlock its full potential. “Ekiti deserves a leader who can think big, act decisively, and deliver transformative change,” he said, positioning Ojo as the candidate best suited to lead the state into a new era of prosperity.
Adefemi pointed to challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited economic diversification, and youth unemployment as areas where the current administration has fallen short. He argued that Ojo’s vision offers a clear departure from the status quo, with a focus on bold, forward-thinking policies that prioritize the needs of the people.
Governance Reforms and Diaspora Engagement
Ojo’s campaign also places a strong emphasis on governance reforms, with a commitment to ensuring full autonomy for local governments. Adefemi explained that decentralizing power would empower local communities, enhance service delivery, and promote grassroots development. “Local governments must have the resources and authority to address the unique needs of their communities,” he said, adding that Ojo’s administration would prioritize transparency and accountability in governance.
Another key component of Ojo’s vision is engaging the Ekiti diaspora in the state’s development. Adefemi highlighted plans to create platforms for diaspora contributions, including investment opportunities, knowledge transfer, and partnerships in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. By tapping into the expertise and resources of Ekiti indigenes abroad, Ojo aims to accelerate the state’s development and strengthen its global connections.
Aligning with National Goals
Adefemi stressed that Ojo’s vision aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to drive economic transformation and improve the lives of Nigerians. By positioning Ekiti as an emerging powerhouse in Nigeria’s supply chain, Ojo’s policies would contribute to the federal government’s broader goals of economic diversification and industrial growth. “Engineer Ojo’s leadership will make Ekiti a critical player in Nigeria’s economic transformation,” Adefemi said.
The super-highway project, in particular, is seen as a strategic initiative that complements national efforts to improve connectivity and boost trade. By linking Ekiti to coastal seaports, the project would enhance Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate the movement of goods to northern states and neighboring countries.
A Call to Action
As the APC prepares for its governorship primaries, Ojo’s declaration has injected fresh energy into the race. The large turnout of supporters at the APC national secretariat underscored the aspirant’s grassroots appeal and political clout. Adefemi’s speech, delivered with passion and precision, resonated with party faithful who see Ojo as a credible alternative to the incumbent governor.
“Engineer Kayode Ojo’s leadership style will elevate Ekiti’s standing on the global stage through inclusive, people-centered policies and far-reaching international partnerships,” Adefemi declared. He called on Ekiti residents to rally behind Ojo’s candidacy, emphasizing that the 2027 election represents a critical opportunity to redefine the state’s future.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Ojo’s vision is ambitious, it is not without challenges. Ekiti’s economy, though promising, faces constraints such as limited federal allocation, infrastructural deficits, and a reliance on agriculture. Implementing large-scale projects like the super-highway will require significant funding and political will, as well as careful coordination with federal and international partners. Additionally, Ojo’s campaign will need to navigate the complexities of APC internal politics, where competing interests and factions could shape the outcome of the primaries.
Nevertheless, Ojo’s entry into the race has sparked excitement among Ekiti residents, who see his candidacy as a chance to address longstanding challenges and unlock new opportunities. His focus on human capital, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure resonates with a population eager for change and progress. The promise of a super-highway, in particular, has captured the public’s imagination, offering a tangible vision of Ekiti’s integration into national and global trade networks.
A New Chapter for Ekiti
As the 2027 governorship election draws closer, Engineer Kayode Ojo’s candidacy represents a bold bid to redefine Ekiti’s trajectory. His vision, rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and global ambition, positions him as a formidable contender in a race that will shape the state’s future. With a clear plan to transform agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, Ojo is betting on a future where Ekiti emerges as a leader in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
For now, the people of Ekiti wait with bated breath as the political landscape evolves. Ojo’s declaration has set the stage for a fiercely contested election, one that will test the resilience of the APC, the aspirations of the electorate, and the enduring promise of democracy in Ekiti State.
