Engr Kayode Ojo, a gubernatorial candidate representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has pledged to grant full autonomy to local governments and revamp the state’s infrastructure if elected.
Ojo, who currently serves as the Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), made these commitments during a press briefing following the submission of his expression of interest and nomination documents at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.
Confident in his prospects, the aspirant expressed optimism about winning both the APC primary scheduled for October 27 and the subsequent governorship election next year, citing strong backing from apc-pdp-and-nnpp-supporters-decamp-to-adc-in-katsina/” title=”…, PDP and NNPP supporters decamp to ADC in Katsina”>party members across the state.
He emphasized his willingness to accept any primary election format the party chooses but urged for fairness and equal opportunity, allowing all candidates to genuinely compete based on their popularity.
“Our vision is straightforward and attainable. We intend to align closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Our focus will be on uniting party members, addressing their concerns, and enhancing their welfare,” Ojo stated.
“We plan to manage Ekiti’s resources judiciously to upgrade infrastructure, boost agricultural productivity, improve educational standards, and raise the living conditions of teachers, students, civil servants, artisans, and other key groups,” he added.
“A full implementation of local government autonomy will be a priority. We aim to develop Ado-Ekiti into a modern, vibrant state capital and strengthen Ekiti’s economy. We will safeguard our party’s interests and ensure that leadership remains with those who uphold our progressive ideals,” Ojo affirmed.
He further highlighted that party leaders have committed to endorsing a candidate with broad appeal and the ability to secure victory, not one who would falter. “I am confident that I am that candidate, enjoying widespread support among APC members in Ekiti,” he said.
Ojo expressed certainty about triumphing in both the primary and the general elections, calling on the National Executive to guarantee a fair contest free from intimidation or harassment. He also urged security agencies to provide protection for all aspirants during their campaigns.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Ojo assured that under his governorship, Ekiti State would be a stronghold for the President’s re-election bid in 2027.
“This election demands a leader who can rally support for the President’s ongoing reforms, not one who will alienate the populace through poor performance. We will unite all Ekiti residents to back the President’s efforts to advance Nigeria,” he declared.
Responding to remarks attributed to APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashir, which suggested that purchasing nomination forms was futile due to no vacancy in the Ekiti Government House, Ojo clarified, “The people of Ekiti are eager for change and are calling for a savior now. Our submission of these forms is a direct answer to that urgent demand. We are ready to bring about the transformation Ekiti needs.”
