BY LAW IBITOYE
As Ekiti State inches closer to the October 27, 2025, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, political tension is mounting between the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his rival, Engr. Kayode Ojo. What initially appeared to be a contest of ambition has snowballed into a bitter war of accusations, counter-accusations, cabinet shake-ups, and rising violence among party supporters.
Governor Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election in 2026 under the APC platform, had in June to July got endorsement of several groups across the length and breath of the state, including the civil servants who are not supposed to play active politics . Precisely, 28th July, 2025, a mega endorsement from key party gladiators and members were accorded the governor, while the gathering was designed to project unity, showcased Oyebanji’s performance but some stakeholders alleged the endorsement was “procured” with public funds. Critics argued that Oyebanji’s performance since assuming office fell short of expectations, especially when weighed against what they described as “humongous allocations” he received from the federal purse.
The governor’s allies dismissed these claims, insisting that Oyebanji’s policies and projects speak for themselves. But the shadow of financial mismanagement has lingered in the political discourse, fueling disenchantment within the party’s rank and file.
Few days after the mega endorsement, some of the cabinet members of the governor had perfected plans to resign, tension deepened when reports emerged that a sizeable number of them were quietly aligning with Engr. Kayode Ojo, who lost the APC ticket to Gov Oyebanji in 2022. Ojo, seen by some as a credible alternative with stronger ties to the presidency, quickly became a rallying point for those dissatisfied with the governor’s style of leadership.
Sensing betrayal, Oyebanji had on 11th August , 2025 dissolved his cabinet and retained only few loyalists. Since then, his camp has tightened its grip, often taking a tough stance on perceived Ojo supporters.The development has created a hostile political atmosphere, with both camps trading verbal and physical blows across the state. Despite Ojo’s absence in the state, his loyalists were holding brief for him.
After months of speculation about his Kayode Ojo’s political direction—amid rumours of a possible switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—Kayode Ojo on Monday, August 25, picked up his nomination form in Abuja. The move ended uncertainty around his 2026 ambition and instantly heightened tensions within the ruling party.
Ojo’s camp has since gone on the offensive, pointing to alleged failures of the Oyebanji administration in infrastructure, job creation, and public finance management. His supporters argue that the governor’s performance has not matched the scale of federal allocations flowing into the state.
The governor, however, has not held back. In videos circulating on social media, Oyebanji was heard warning party leaders not to “open the door” for Ojo, whom he accused of being politically inactive for the past three years—neither attending APC meetings nor contributing financially to the party’s growth. The governor has reportedly urged loyalists across local governments to resist Ojo’s comeback.
What was once expected to be a routine primary contest has now become a full-blown power struggle threatening to paralyze governance in Ekiti. Party members say the escalating rivalry has diverted attention from pressing developmental issues, with state resources and political energy channeled into intra-party battles instead.
For many residents, the concern is not only about who wins the APC ticket but also about the fragile peace in the state. As both camps harden their positions, political observers warn that the next few weeks may determine not only the shape of the 2025 primary but the political future of Ekiti itself.
Time, and the verdict of the APC delegates in October, will tell whether Oyebanji consolidates his hold on the party or whether Kayode Ojo finally breaks through to fly the flag in 2026.