Ekiti 2026: APC Screening a Test of Party Supremacy and Discipline

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV) has described the recent disqualification of some governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election as a necessary test of party supremacy, discipline and internal cohesion.

The group said the move by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) should not be seen as victimisation but as an effort to preserve unity and strengthen internal democracy within the ruling party.

In a statement released on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the OSV noted that the disqualification process had raised important questions about the integrity of the party structure, membership discipline and the sources of campaign funding among aspirants.

“Who is funding these aspirants and how are their campaign resources being channelled into the state? Who are their sponsors or godfathers — are they from Aso Rock, within the state, or among members of the State Executive Council? Are these aspirants bonafide, financial, and active members of the APC who attend ward and state meetings regularly?” the statement queried.

The group said the NWC’s screening exercise would help identify genuine members committed to party ideals and ensure transparency in the build-up to the polls.

The OSV reminded the party that the Yoruba political culture is deeply rooted in democracy and resistance to imposition. It said the people of Ekiti, as part of the South West, have consistently defended the principles of political freedom and independence.

“The Yoruba are politically sophisticated and have consistently rejected any attempt to impose leadership on them.

“From the Kiriji War to the nationalist struggles led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the defence of the June 12 mandate, our people have always valued independence and political freedom,” the group said.

According to the group, Ekiti has historically played a vital role in advancing progressive ideals and should remain a reference point for political integrity and fairness.

The group said the disqualification of some aspirants aligned with the principles of fairness, order, and discipline that have defined the APC administrations of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national level.

“As we move toward the 2026 and 2027 elections, the APC must show unity, discipline and respect for leadership,” the statement added.
“Victory is not automatic; it will come only when the right internal structures are maintained.”

The OSV also cautioned members against a repeat of the 2014 internal crisis, which it said created openings for the opposition to take advantage of.

The group appealed to all aspirants to respect the outcome of the screening exercise and rally behind the eventual party flagbearer in the interest of collective success.

“Only one candidate can emerge as the APC flagbearer. That person must enjoy the confidence of the leadership and the majority of members. Anyone secretly working against the party should face appropriate sanctions in line with the rules,” the statement said.

It described the screening and disqualification process as a litmus test for the APC’s management and leadership culture, stressing that the party must balance “doing things right” with “doing the right things.”

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu, describing both as symbols of progressive governance whose policies have strengthened the APC across the South West.

“This is not just about 2026,” the statement concluded. “It is about preserving the legacy of the progressives and ensuring the supremacy of the party in Ekiti and across the South West.”