In a dramatic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Engr. Kayode Ojo, a prominent gubernatorial aspirant, from participating in the party’s primary election and the subsequent gubernatorial race in Ekiti State. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state, came shortly after Ojo’s high-profile visit to the APC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, where he was notably denied any formal reception by party officials. This development has sparked intense discussions among political stakeholders, supporters, and observers, as it reshapes the dynamics of the upcoming election scheduled for October 27.
Engr. Kayode Ojo, a well-known figure in Ekiti politics, had garnered significant attention in the lead-up to the APC primary election. His campaign had gained considerable momentum, evidenced by the massive turnout of supporters during his visit to the state capital. Accompanied by thousands of loyal followers drawn from all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, Ojo’s presence in Ado-Ekiti was nothing short of a spectacle. The streets of the capital were virtually shut down as his supporters thronged the city, displaying a show of strength and solidarity ahead of the highly anticipated primary election. The atmosphere was electric, with chants, banners, and colorful displays signaling Ojo’s strong grassroots support and his ambition to secure the APC gubernatorial ticket.
Ojo’s visit to the APC secretariat was intended to serve as a formal declaration of his candidacy and a demonstration of his political clout. The event was seen as a critical moment for his campaign, as it provided an opportunity to engage with party leaders and solidify his standing within the APC. However, the lack of reception from party officials at the secretariat raised eyebrows and hinted at underlying tensions. Sources close to the party suggest that Ojo’s bold and assertive campaign style may have ruffled feathers among certain factions within the APC, potentially contributing to the decision to disqualify him.
The news of Ojo’s disqualification broke just as he was concluding his official declaration, catching many by surprise. The APC leadership, in a terse statement, confirmed that Ojo would not be allowed to participate in the primary election, effectively ending his bid to become the party’s flagbearer in the gubernatorial race. While the party did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the disqualification, speculations have been rife about the factors that led to this decision. Some political analysts point to possible procedural infractions, such as issues with Ojo’s documentation or eligibility criteria, while others suggest that internal party dynamics and power struggles may have played a significant role.
The disqualification has sparked outrage among Ojo’s supporters, who view the decision as an attempt to undermine his candidacy and suppress the will of the people. Many of his followers, who had invested significant time and resources in mobilizing support for his campaign, expressed their frustration and disappointment. Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions, with some accusing the APC leadership of engaging in anti-democratic practices to favor certain candidates. The decision has also raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the APC’s primary election process, with critics arguing that the disqualification lacks clear justification.
Ojo, a seasoned engineer and businessman, has been a prominent figure in Ekiti’s political scene for years. His campaign was built on promises of economic development, infrastructure improvement, and youth empowerment, resonating with a broad cross-section of the state’s population. His ability to mobilize thousands of supporters across Ekiti’s local government areas underscored his popularity and organizational strength. Many had seen him as a frontrunner in the APC primary, given his grassroots appeal and the visible enthusiasm surrounding his campaign. The sudden disqualification, therefore, has not only disrupted his political ambitions but also altered the competitive landscape of the primary election.
The APC’s decision has also drawn attention to the broader political dynamics in Ekiti State, where factionalism and power struggles within the party have been a recurring theme. The disqualification of a high-profile aspirant like Ojo is likely to deepen existing divisions and fuel tensions among party members. Some observers believe that the move could backfire, alienating a significant portion of the APC’s support base and potentially weakening the party’s chances in the gubernatorial election. Others, however, argue that the decision reflects the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and adherence to its internal processes, even at the cost of sidelining a popular candidate.
As the October 27 primary election approaches, the APC now faces the challenge of managing the fallout from this controversial decision. The party will need to address concerns about fairness and inclusivity while rallying its members to unite behind the eventual nominee. For Ojo’s supporters, the focus may shift to exploring legal or political avenues to challenge the disqualification or redirect their energies toward supporting another candidate who aligns with their vision for Ekiti State.
The disqualification of Kayode Ojo has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the APC’s preparations for the gubernatorial race. It serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalries that characterize Nigerian politics, particularly at the state level. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the APC’s next steps and how Ojo and his supporters respond to this setback. The outcome of this saga could have far-reaching implications for the party’s unity and its prospects in the upcoming election, as well as for the broader political landscape in Ekiti State.
In the meantime, political observers are closely watching developments in Ado-Ekiti, where the APC primary is expected to be a fiercely contested affair. With Ojo out of the race, other aspirants will likely intensify their campaigns to fill the void and capture the support of his disillusioned followers. The coming weeks promise to be a critical period for Ekiti’s political future, as the APC navigates this turbulent chapter in its quest to retain control of the state.
