The All Progressives Congress (APC) has completed the screening of aspirants ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. The two-day exercise took place on Tuesday, September 23, and Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Amor Hotel, Katampe, Abuja, with four aspirants appearing before the screening panel.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, conducted the exercise with six other members, including Comrade Naseer Kura, Haj. Hon. Ramara A. I. Faruq, Alh. Suleiman Tanimu, Engr. Shehu Umar Dange, Barr. Smart Iheazor, and Barr. Oghenovo Otemu, who served as secretary. The panel said it adopted a transparent and rigorous process, which involved examining aspirants’ documents, verifying their party membership status, and considering petitions submitted against them.
Those screened included Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Engr. Kayode Ojo, Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo. At the end of the exercise, Governor Oyebanji and Mrs. Omolayo were fully cleared, having satisfied all constitutional and party requirements.
However, the case of Engr. Kayode Ojo drew particular attention. The committee granted him provisional clearance but referred his matter to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a final decision. According to the report, Ojo faced a series of petitions, with the most notable being his alleged inability to meet the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government. The committee explained that this deficiency could expose the party to legal disputes if not properly addressed, hence the need for further scrutiny.
Despite this challenge, the provisional clearance allows Ojo to remain in contention, pending the outcome of the NWC’s review. Political observers believe his popularity and political structure could still make him a strong contender if the issues raised are resolved in his favor.
On the other hand, Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi was disqualified outright. The committee said she failed to provide evidence of being a financially up-to-date member of the APC, a requirement under Article 9(1) of the party’s constitution. Her disqualification was also backed by Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which makes party membership a prerequisite for contesting elective offices.
The committee concluded by urging the APC leadership to manage the outcome of the screening carefully in order to avoid internal conflicts. It stressed that unity and strict adherence to party guidelines would be crucial if the party hopes to secure victory in the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
