Ekiti 2026: Kayode Ojo vows to defeat Gov. Oyebanji in open play, not petitions

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: Tensions are heightening successful the ruling All Progressives Congress APC up of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, arsenic 1 of the large contenders, Kayode Ojo has openly declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji volition beryllium defeated “on the field” alternatively than done petitions oregon backroom maneuvering.

Speaking to journalists aft appearing earlier the APC Governorship Screening Committee successful Abuja connected Tuesday, Ojo who fell abbreviated of straight calling retired the governor, accused immoderate unnamed forces of attempting to discredit his ambition done frivolous petitions.

He insisted that his absorption is connected winning the summons and delivering Ekiti for President Bola Tinubu successful 2026.

“They person submitted respective petitions against maine here, which I volition officially respond to aboriginal today. But determination is nary origin for alarm.

“Why I didn’t petition against the politician is due to the fact that we privation to decision him connected the field, not successful the boardroom”, helium said.

The APC stalwart, who described himself arsenic a loyal enactment antheral and “unrepentant supporter” of President Tinubu, dismissed allegations of anti-party activity, stressing his contributions to enactment members done jobs, empowerment and acquisition opportunities.

He besides rejected suggestions that helium could measurement down for Oyebanji oregon immoderate different aspirant. “We are successful this contention to win, and we are winning by God’s grace,” helium said defiantly.

On the anticipation of consensus, Ojo was bullish. “If the enactment agrees for a consensus, I cognize that I volition beryllium the statement candidate. Just beryllium definite astir that”, helium declared.

Meanwhile, different aspirant, Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, besides faced the screening sheet and claimed she had the strongest credentials to clinch the ticket.

She pointed to her inheritance successful entrepreneurship, younker and women empowerment arsenic good arsenic roadworthy operation projects successful Ekiti arsenic impervious of her readiness to govern.

But Olawunmi besides raised the alarm implicit a petition allegedly written against her, questioning however her confidential signifier leaked. “That should beryllium a minus connected the portion of the party. Somebody had entree to my form, and they person to reply that question,” she charged, hinting astatine sabotage by rival camps determined to frustrate her chances.

She, however, ruled retired stepping down for immoderate aspirant, saying lone President Tinubu could transportation her to withdraw. “If the president decides helium has idiosyncratic else, I volition measurement down. Any different person, no,” she declared.

The station Ekiti 2026: Kayode Ojo vows to decision Gov. Oyebanji successful unfastened play, not petitions appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.