Ekiti 2026: APC clears Oyebanji, Grants Provisional Approval to Ojo, Disqualifies Olawumi

Ekiti 2026: APC Clears Oyebanji, Grants Provisional Approval to Ojo, Disqualifies Olawumi

 

 

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded the screening of governorship aspirants for the 2026 Ekiti State election, clearing Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to contest the party’s primary.

 

The screening committee, which held sessions at Amor Hotel, Katampe, Abuja, on September 23 and 24, affirmed that Governor Oyebanji met all constitutional and party requirements, thus granting him full clearance.

 

Engr. Kayode Ojo, a businessman and recurrent aspirant, received provisional clearance. The committee referred his case to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further review, citing petitions challenging his failure to secure the minimum threshold of five valid nominators per local government area. The committee warned that this shortfall could potentially lead to litigation.

 

Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, however, was disqualified after failing to provide evidence of being a financially up-to-date member of the APC, as required under Article 9(1) of the party Constitution and Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo was also cleared, having satisfied all stipulated requirements.

 

Observers note that the outcome is a significant boost for Governor Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, while the provisional status of Ojo and the disqualification of Olawumi narrow the field of serious contenders.

 

The APC described the exercise as rigorous and transparent, involving thorough document examination, verification of party membership, vetting reports, and consideration of petitions against aspirants.