The All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election has cleared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji and two other aspirants to contest in the party’s primary, while granting Kayode Ojo a provisional clearance pending further review.
The two-day screening exercise, held in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, was chaired by Tunji Olawuyi with six other members: Naseer Kura, Ramara A.I. Faruq, Suleiman Tanimu, Shehu Umar Dange, Smart Iheazor, and Oghenovo Otemu.
According to its report, four aspirants submitted expression of interest and nomination forms. The committee confirmed that Oyebanji and Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo were fully cleared, having met all constitutional and party requirements.
However, Kayode Ojo’s clearance was made provisional and referred to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for final decision.
The committee cited multiple petitions against him, particularly his failure to meet the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government area—a requirement under Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution and paragraph 6(c) of the party’s nomination guidelines.
The report stressed that the referral was intended to forestall potential legal disputes that could arise from the observed deficiencies.
Meanwhile, Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi was disqualified from the race for failing to provide evidence of being a financially up-to-date party member, also in line with Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution.
The APC governorship primary election in Ekiti is scheduled for next month, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the governorship poll.
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