Ekiti APC primary crisis escalates as Kayode Ojo accuses Governor Oyebanji of targeting his supporters with arrests and intimidation ahead of the October 27 primary
Ekiti APC primary crisis has taken a dramatic turn, as tensions escalate between Governor Biodun Oyebanji and fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Kayode Ojo, just weeks ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for 27 October.
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On Sunday, Ojo’s campaign organisation alleged a wave of intimidation and politically motivated arrests of his supporters across key local government areas including Igede Ekiti, Otun Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, and Emure Ekiti.
The Chairman of the Kayode Ojo Team, Olukayode Oluyemo, told journalists in Ado Ekiti that the alleged arrests were part of a calculated attempt to derail Ojo’s planned 177-ward tour.
“We express deep concern over the continued, orchestrated arrest, prosecution, and detention of our supporters,” he said, describing the actions as “a grave threat to intra-party democracy.”
He accused thugs allegedly loyal to Governor Oyebanji of issuing threats to disrupt Ojo’s campaign tour, calling for the immediate release of all detained supporters and urging an independent investigation into the matter.
The Ekiti APC primary crisis also prompted Ojo’s camp to appeal to the APC national leadership, demanding a level playing field and safeguards for transparency in the primary election process.
In a swift rebuttal, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
“This is nothing but a media stunt by a desperate aspirant,” Olatunbosun said.
“These are excuses in anticipation of a loss at the primaries. No such intimidation exists.”
He went on to describe Ojo as unpopular within the party, adding, “Politics is not played on social media or by propaganda. It is played with mutual respect, collaboration, and loyalty to the party.”
The Ekiti APC primary crisis underscores rising tensions within the ruling party as Governor Oyebanji seeks re-election.
He is set to face Ojo and Mrs Atinuke Oluremi in the party primary to determine who will fly the APC flag in the 20 June 2025 governorship election.
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Observers note that how the party manages internal grievances like these could influence not only the outcome of the primaries but also the APC’s performance in the general election.
