By ‘Deji Ayodele
The breaking news of Engr. Kayode Ojo’s disqualification from the forthcoming APC governorship primaries in Ekiti came as a thunderbolt — not just to his teeming supporters but also to the silent watchers of the unfolding political drama in the state.
Interestingly, before the announcement hit the airwaves around 6 p.m. yesterday, there was an uneasy calm within the BAO camp. The quietness was palpable; hope seemed dim, and confidence appeared to be running on fumes. But the moment TVC aired the news, the entire narrative changed — songs of mockery, social media gloating, and premature jubilation took over. However, to the ardent followers of the incumbent governor, this note is a humble reminder: rejoice, but little.
Politics is a game of time and tides. What looks like a victory today could become the seed of tomorrow’s regret if handled with arrogance and insensitivity. The disqualification of a contender, especially one as formidable as Engr. Kayode Ojo, should not be viewed as an endorsement of popularity for another.
It only shows how fragile and uncertain the internal democratic structure of the ruling party has become. If anything, it exposes the widening cracks within the APC family in Ekiti — cracks that could eventually swallow the very house its occupants believe is unshakable. Let it be stated clearly: it is not over until the June 2026 governorship election is over.
The people of Ekiti are politically conscious and deeply independent-minded. Their votes, not internal party politics or backroom decisions, will determine who governs them. BAO’s team should therefore tread with caution. The public mockery of fellow party members, especially those whose only “crime” is to aspire, sends a wrong message to the electorate — a message of intolerance and insecurity. There is nothing undemocratic in an aspirant challenging an incumbent governor.
In fact, that is the essence of democracy itself — the freedom to choose, to compete, and to convince. But when a sitting governor’s supporters turn such competition into ridicule, it reflects more fear than confidence. Mature politics is not about gloating over procedural disqualifications; it is about winning hearts through service, humility, and performance.
The BAO camp must not mistake temporary advantage for total victory. The political atmosphere in Ekiti is fluid and unpredictable. The sympathy that follows perceived injustice has often rewritten the electoral story in this state. Therefore, the wise approach now is not to dance in triumph but to reflect soberly on what lies ahead.
If the APC remains divided, believing that victory in 2026 is a foregone conclusion, they would be like a man wearing a cloth soaked in petrol, playing dangerously close to fire. The flames of public resentment can ignite anytime, and when they do, no amount of power play can quench them. So, to the jubilant BAO supporters, this is a gentle caution: celebrate, but with maturity; smile, but with reflection; and above all, remember — the real contest is yet to begin.
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