Ekiti APC Crisis Deepens as Stakeholders Petition Tinubu Over Disqualified Aspirants

BY Rachel Akper
October 25, 2025
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The petition, signed by leading party figures under the platform Concerned APC Stakeholders in Ekiti State, urged the President to intervene and address what they termed “undemocratic actions” that could jeopardize the unity and success of the party ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.

According to the petitioners, the recent disqualification of two aspirants, including businessman Kayode Ojo, from contesting the primary was a violation of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act. They alleged that the process was manipulated to favour certain interests within the state.

The stakeholders also accused some party officials of bias and called for their removal from the conduct of the primary. They urged President Tinubu to order a review of the screening outcome and to constitute an independent and credible panel to supervise the exercise.

“We are deeply concerned that the disqualification of some aspirants and the manipulation of the party’s membership register will erode the confidence of grassroots members and destroy the party’s electoral chances in 2026,” the petition read in part.

The group further appealed for the revalidation of thousands of membership registrations allegedly deleted from the party register, warning that continued exclusion of legitimate members could lead to voter apathy and internal crises.

Meanwhile, supporters of Kayode Ojo staged a protest at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, describing his disqualification as unfair and undemocratic. They demanded his immediate reinstatement, insisting that he remains one of the most popular aspirants in the race.

The incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the APC, is believed to be the major beneficiary of the development. However, some aspirants, including Ojo and Olajumoke Abimbola, have expressed confidence in the party’s leadership to ensure fairness and justice.

The Ekiti governorship election is scheduled to hold on July 20, 2026.