2027: Tension Mounts in Ekiti APC Ahead of Primary Elections  

By Femi Awojobi  

The internal crisis within the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is deepening as 2027 approaches, with accusations of undemocratic practices threatening the party’s unity ahead of crucial primaries.

Critics say a handful of influential figures are attempting to sideline party members by pushing through candidates without following due process. 

They argue that aspirants should emerge either by direct primaries or a genuinely inclusive consensus — not by backdoor arrangements that ignore the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

At the center of the controversy are certain personalities, that some party members accuse of alienating key stakeholders through what they call “kangaroo endorsements.” 

These endorsements, they claim, have produced an unresolved candidature born out of an illegal consensus deal orchestrated by a small circle around the current power brokers.

According to party insiders, the fallout is already jeopardizing plans for free, fair, and acceptable primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship poll and the 2027 general elections. 

They allege a pattern of disregard for both the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, with grassroots members feeling powerless against what they describe as impunity.

The State political leaders has also drawn criticism for openly campaigning for Senator Cyril Fasuyi during rallies tied to second-term bid. Constituents in Ekiti North Senatorial District have labeled Fasuyi’s tenure since 2023 as underwhelming, citing a lack of visible projects and empowerment programs. 

They point out that appeals over power outages went unanswered for over two years, with only two transformers recently installed — one each in Otun Ekiti and Ora Ekiti, both close to the senator’s hometown of Ido Ekiti.

Many in the district are now calling for a replacement, recalling Senator Ayo Arise’s 2007–2011 tenure as a benchmark. Arise is credited with attracting projects across the district and facilitating the establishment of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), which has spurred economic growth in the area.

Similar concerns have been raised about alleged plans to impose Hon. Ibrahim Olarenwaju in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II over incumbent Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, who is widely seen as a performing legislator. 

In Constituency I, however, House spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi has been commended for delivering roads, a modern hospital, and empowerment programs.

In Ekiti Central Senatorial District, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele retains strong support, both House members face calls for replacement. 

Hon. Sola Fatoba of Constituency I has been described as ineffective, with Engr. Toyin Ojo, Chairman of Ado Ekiti Central LCDA, touted as a strong alternative. In Constituency II, Barr. Victor Kolade, aka VKO, remains a leading contender.

Ekiti South appears more stable but not without agitation for change. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Hon. Femi Bamisile, and Hon. Adeniyi Ojuawo — all said to have received automatic tickets in 2019 and 2023 through former Governor Kayode Fayemi — face criticism over their performance. Some members are pushing for Senator Biodun Olujimi’s return and for youth aspirant Toyin Okoro to replace Ojuawo.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have both insisted that where consensus fails, state leaders must conduct primaries in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act to avoid post-election litigation that could cost the party in 2027.

For now, all eyes are on Governor Oyebanji and Ekiti APC leaders to see whether they will prioritize party interest over personal agendas. 

Many believe only transparent, credible primaries can guarantee the APC’s chances in 2026 and 2027.

Femi Awojobi is a journalist and media expert based in Ado Ekiti.