Ahead of the Ekiti State governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a leading aspirant, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, insists that there is nothing on ground to justify the statutory allocation of over N500 billion to the state within the last three years.

Ojo, who spoke to reporters shortly after he submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms to vie for the exalted seat at the party secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, expressed optimism that he would upstage Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the party primaries billed to take place on the 27th of October this year.

He claimed that records show that between November 2022 and June 2025, N292.24 billion was received as federal allocation by the state, with Internally Generated Revenue at N89.6 billion, in addition to federal allocations to local governments exceeding N150 billion, not including various Federal Government interventions and loans.

Ojo, who is rumoured to enjoy the backing of the presidency, maintained that these funds could have transformed the state. Instead, under the current administration, there are no “visible results” on ground to justify the usage of the monies.
“We must ask: how many landmark projects has he commissioned in three years? Why has he not invited national leaders for project inauguration, as other governors have done? Even his daughter’s wedding was held in Ibadan, rather than Ekiti, due to embarrassment over the state’s lack of achievements. Despite these substantial resources, there is nothing tangible to show,” he alleged.

Faulting the notion held in certain quarters that he enjoys the support of the presidency, he pledged to grant full autonomy to local councils in the state if voted into power.

He added: “The people of Ekiti and APC members in the state desire meaningful change. In the past three years, they have received the short end of the stick. Governor Oyebanji is a pretender and has no major developmental projects to his name, only propaganda.
“Our agenda is clear and achievable. We will align with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We will unite party members, address grievances, and ensure their welfare. We will prudently utilise Ekiti’s resources to transform infrastructure, improve agriculture, education, and enhance welfare for teachers, students, civil servants, artisans, and all sectors. We will implement local government autonomy fully, develop Ado-Ekiti as a befitting state capital, and build Ekiti’s economy.

“We will never hand over what belongs to our party to those who do not share our progressive values. Our party leaders have stated that they will ensure the election of a popular candidate who can win, not someone who will struggle. I am that candidate. We enjoy the support of the majority of APC members in the state.
“We are confident of winning the primary and achieving a resounding victory in the general election. We seek only a level playing field from the National Executive, free of intimidation and harassment. Security operatives must ensure protection for all members as they campaign.
“I assure the people’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that with me as Governor, Ekiti State will be secured for his re-election. This election is about a leader capable of mobilising for the President’s ongoing reforms, not someone who will alienate the people through non-performance. We will unite all Ekiti people to support the President as he continues his reforms to elevate Nigeria.”