“No Contest in Ekiti, Oyebanji Has Already Won” ~ Senate President, APC National Secretary

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that there is no governorship contest in Ekiti State ahead of the 2026 elections, stressing that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s return is certain.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday night in Uyo during a private meeting with Senator Cyril Fasuyi. The APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola, also joined the meeting shortly after.

In a phone call placed by Senator Fasuyi during the meeting to the Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotosho, the Senate President , was emphatic:

“There is no contest in Ekiti State. Whoever is contesting with the Governor is only embarking on giveaways. I congratulate you people in advance. Governor Oyebanji is not only Asiwaju’s son, he is also our favorite at the National Assembly. 

"He has performed well, he is God-fearing and humble. He is one of the Governors who stood by me to become Senate President, and so I will stand by him now.”

APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola, voiced the same opinion, noting that any challenge to Oyebanji’s candidacy is a futile effort.

“There is no contest against Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti. Anyone contesting against him is only helping the party generate funds,” Ajibola remarked.

The Senate President also dismissed speculation about his health, laughing off reports that he had been flown abroad for emergency medical attention.

“Well, I am the one speaking with you on the phone right now,” he quipped.

The meeting, which centered on Ekiti’s political future, further signals the overwhelming confidence of APC leaders in Governor Oyebanji’s administration and his reelection bid.

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Ekiti APC Asiprant, Ojo Slams APC National Leadership Over Support for Gov Oyebanji

A twist has been added to to struggle for who be gubernatorial candidate of 2026 election in Ekiti as one of the adipriants , Engr Kayode, Ojo, has expressed utter disappointment and disillusionment with the APC National leadership over its recent endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Engr Kayode Ojo was reacting to the statement credited to the National Secretary of APC , Senator AJIBOLA Basiru in the Sun Newspaper where he said Gov Oyebanji would continue in the office till 2030 and that no vacancy for anyone who purchased party nomination forms. 

The National Secretary , Senator AJIBOLA Basiru said in the Sun Newspaper,  "There is no election in Ekiti because Oyebanji is going to continue. The election is going to be a walkover because all the former governors, deputy governors except one, all serving and former Senators, are fully with him. Any reasonable person, including those who purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms, will know that there is no vacancy in the Ekiti State Government House. I am just telling you as a party man, because we will still conduct the party primary. It is the people who will do the voting.

“Even if 10 aspirants participate in the primary, the truth is that when you see a governor who is performing for the party, you will know that he is a performer. However, we are not the ones to vote in the primary. It is the people who will vote. I was in Ekiti and saw what was going on. It is good for them to collect nomination forms because it helps the party to build its revenue.”

In reaction to this, Engr Kayode Ojo disagree with the APC National Secretary 

"I fear for the future of our party if we continue down this path. What message does this send to the good people of our state? That the APC no longer stands for accountability, transparency, and good governance? I fear for the future of our party if we continue down this path. I call on our national leadership to reconsider their support for Governor Oyebanji and instead focus on promoting candidates who truly embody the values of our party. We must prioritize the welfare of our citizens and uphold the principles of good governance." Kayode warned, calling on the national leadership to reconsider its support for the governor and promote candidates who embody the party's values.

Engr Kayode Ojo said he may consider another platform if the National leadership of APC supports Gov Oyebanji's reelection bid.

I've been a loyal member of the APC for years, but recent developments have made me question the party's commitment to its founding principles. The leadership's support for certain individuals and policies has been disappointing, to say the least."

"I'm exploring options that align with my values and goals. If that means joining another party or working with a different platform, I'm open to it. My ambition is to serve the people, and I'll do whatever it takes to achieve that."

Engr Kayode Ojo said that other members of Ekiti APC are ready to follow him to another party to realise his ambition. 

"I'm not alone in feeling this way. Many like-minded individuals within the party are equally disillusioned. We'll be watching closely to see how the party leadership responds to our concerns. I will explore options that align with my political values and goals."

The development has sent shockwaves through the APC, with many wondering if Ojo's departure would be a significant blow to the party's fortunes.

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Fresh Backlash Trails ‘Chop A Chop’ Politicians in Ekiti

A fresh wave of criticism has trailed the activities of Kayode Ojo and his supporters, with political commentators in Ekiti dismissing them as a band of “Chop A Chop politicians” whose motives are driven by selfish ambition rather than the collective good of the state.

Dr. Akeju Akinsola, a political observer, in a strongly worded statement on Monday, described Ojo as “a serial contestant” who has been unable to learn from past failures since 2018.

“His supporters, in the figment of their imagination, have been making spurious claims across social media about converts embedded in government. Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” he said, quoting Winston Churchill.

Akeju particularly accused some of Ojo’s allies of inconsistency and political opportunism. He named Akogun Abayomi Olumide, whom he alleged lacked integrity; Deji Adesokan (popularly known as Jaru), who he said constantly “shifts his goalpost”; and Abiodun John Dada of Ijero, whose political style, according to him, “reeks of arrogance.”

He also faulted Lanre Fayemi, described as a Social Democratic Party (SDP) member, for “leading the deception of Kayode Ojo while pretending to be with him.”

“What do all these people have in common? They are not satisfied with their pie and want a bigger chunk,” Akeju stated.

Reaffirming the people’s loyalty to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Akeju recalled the political atmosphere of July 28, 2025, when Ekiti residents, according to him, “spoke in unison in endorsement of the governor.”

Citing the famous Latin phrase Vox Populi, Vox Dei: “the voice of the people is the voice of God”, Akeju stressed that there is no vacancy in the Ekiti Government House until 2030.

“Kayode Ojo and his Chop A Chop politicians should take note,” he concluded.

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“Our Eyes Are on You”, Ekiti APC Warns Detractors

…As Party Reaffirms Full Support for Oyebanji’s Second Term Bid

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has warned detractors within and outside the party that their attempts to destabilize the ruling party will not succeed, declaring that “our eyes are on you.”

The party also reaffirmed its collective resolve to deliver a second term in office for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, insisting there is no crack in its ranks.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Segun Dipe, said the APC is determined to make history by ensuring Oyebanji secures a back-to-back victory, as permitted by the Constitution.

Dipe alleged that some individuals were working deliberately to weaken the party with the intention of defecting later to contest against it, but insisted such plots had already been exposed.

“We know your mission already: you want to first destroy the formidability of our party and then move to another party to contest against us. Like a pig, you want to drag us into your filthy mud and beat us with the experience of how to roll in the mud. Olorun o ni fun yin se o,” he said.

Reiterating the party’s stance, Dipe stressed that the APC in Ekiti remains firmly united and fully behind Governor Oyebanji.

“There is no crack in Ekiti APC. That is the truth. We are united in our decision to ensure that Gov. Oyebanji wins a second term back to back as the Constitution permits. It’s a record our party is determined to break, just as we broke that of baton exchange between JKF and BAO. If you’re not with us on this mission, you’re against us, and our eyes are on you,” he added.

The APC spokesman maintained that Governor Oyebanji has earned the trust and confidence of both party members and the people of Ekiti, stressing that the ruling party will not allow distractions to derail its mission.

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Federal Roads Should Not Define Oyebanji’s Performance ~ Babatuyi

... says Oyebanji’s Achievements Speak for Themselves 

A journalist and media consultant, Kayode Babatuyi, has described the recent outrage over the state of some roads in Ekiti as unfair and mischievous, insisting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has recorded outstanding achievements that outweigh the criticisms.

Babatuyi, in a statement made available in Ado-Ekiti, said while it is true that some roads such as Igede-Aramoko-Itawure, Ado-Ijan-Ikare and Aramoko-Ijero are in deplorable condition, most of them fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and should not be used to unfairly judge the performance of the governor.

According to him, “Governor Oyebanji has made giant strides in several sectors - health, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare, power, tourism and grassroots development. Reducing his achievements to the state of federal roads is insincere and mischievous.”

Babatuyi recalled that Governor Oyebanji inherited huge financial burdens in 2022, including unpaid salaries, pensions, and over ₦40 billion in gratuities. He explained that within less than three years, the Oyebanji administration has cleared salary and pension arrears, reduced gratuity debts from ₦48 billion to ₦26 billion, and increased subventions to state-owned institutions by almost 50 per cent.

“This has restored industrial harmony in EKSU, EKSUTH, BOUESTI, and other agencies that were plagued by strikes during the previous administration,” he said.

The media consultant highlighted major investments in the health sector, including ₦814 million spent on renovating 177 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of doctors and health workers, the flagship Ulerawa health insurance scheme covering 429,000 residents, and improved hazard allowances and salaries for medical staff.

He added that the administration has also sustained welfare programmes for widows, the aged and vulnerable groups, while ensuring Ekiti remains one of the few states implementing the new national minimum wage.

On education, Babatuyi noted that Governor Oyebanji has released over ₦3.5 billion counterpart funding for UBEC/SUBEB projects and approved ₦200 million in loans for teachers. He also cited the “Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture” programme, which has provided training and ₦140 million funding for young farmers across the state.

Babatuyi further listed the completion of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, the Ado-Ifaki road, Ajebandele-Omisanjana road, office complexes at the Secretariat, an 80-bed facility at EKSUTH, and the connection of government institutions such as EKSUTH, EKSU and BSES to 24-hour power supply from the Independent Power Plant.

He added that Oyebanji’s influence at the federal level has also brought national presence to the state, including a new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, a college of education, and an Army barrack in Ikere.

Babatuyi stressed that while constructive criticism is welcome, deliberate attempts to vilify the governor over federal roads ignore the inclusive and people-oriented governance that Oyebanji has brought to Ekiti.

“Before calling the governor out unfairly, we must acknowledge the peace, inclusiveness and socio-economic development he has delivered. The loud outcry on roads is unnecessary when weighed against his undeniable gains,” he said.

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Kayode Ojo’s Weak Defense Exposes His Ties to Tinubu’s Political Opponents ~ RMA

NaijaPulse 

August 16, 2025 

Kayode Ojo’s hurried attempt to deny sponsoring comedians’ viral skits on Ekiti’s federal roads has not only failed to convince but has further exposed his close political ties to sworn opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Renewed Media Agenda (RMA) accused Ojo, who currently serves as Chairman Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, of aligning with figures like Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar, two long-standing political adversaries of President Tinubu.

“Ojo’s close political friendship with Rotimi Amaechi, a known adversary of PBAT, is no secret. To make matters worse, his own campaign Director-General is a staunch Atiku Abubakar loyalist,” RMA declared, insisting that such alliances say far more about Ojo’s true loyalties than his “hurried and poorly written” press statement.

The group also pointed to the “smoking gun” in Woli Agba’s viral skit, where voting for "an Engineer" was mentioned in the final seconds of the video, as clear evidence of his involvement. “That was no coincidence; it was the signature of sponsorship,” RMA stated.

According to the group, Ojo’s actions are part of a pattern. “This is the same Kayode Ojo who, after losing the APC governorship primary in 2022, dragged the party to court all the way to the Supreme Court and directed his followers to work against the party in the election. His history is one of division, sabotage, and political opportunism,” the statement added.

The RMA warned that Ojo’s "media urchins" have been at the forefront of celebrating the viral skit that mocked the APC-led Federal Government and PBAT administration, suggesting he is deliberately undermining the same government under which he serves as an appointee.

“A leopard never changes its spots. Kayode Ojo’s brand of politics is toxic to party unity, destructive to governance, and dangerous to the collective interest of the APC,” the group cautioned.

The statement concluded with a call for the APC, both in Ekiti and at the national level, to make a choice: “Either protect the integrity of the party and its government, or allow political opportunists like Ojo to continue rocking the boat from within.”

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Tinubu Appointee Caught Sponsoring Skits to Attack FG Over Ekiti Roads ~ RMA

A major political controversy has erupted in Ekiti State as the Renewed Media Agenda (RMA) accuses a Federal Government appointee, Engr. Kayode Ojo, of bankrolling a coordinated smear campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the state of federal roads in the state.

Ojo, who is Chairman Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, allegedly hired comedians Kunle Aford and Woli Agba, both from Ogun State to produce attack skits targeting the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

RMA described the videos as “carefully crafted to mislead the public, shift blame, and tarnish the reputation of the state government,” stressing that the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road, which was the focus of the attacks, is a federal road under Abuja’s jurisdiction.

“The smoking gun came in the final moments of Woli Agba’s video, where he made a direct reference to Kayode Ojo, effectively confirming the source of sponsorship for this orchestrated misinformation campaign,” RMA said in its statement.

The group dismissed the stunt as “a calculated and coordinated political ambush dressed as entertainment,” adding, “A leopard will never change its spots. Ojo can never be a loyalist of any party.”

They recalled that after losing the APC governorship primary in 2022, Ojo “dragged the party to court all the way to the Supreme Court and openly directed his followers to work against the party and vote for SDP in the last gubernatorial election.”

According to RMA, Ojo’s current moves mirror his actions in 2022: “If he could sabotage APC in Ekiti, then it should surprise no one that he is now attempting to undermine the PBAT-led Federal Government. Like he did in Ekiti, he is simply repeating the same playbook at the federal level.”

Defending the President’s performance on Ekiti roads, RMA stated: “The Ado-Ijan-Omuo road has been awarded, contractors are on site, and the Ado-Ikere-Akure road is nearing completion.” They further noted that the Ekiti State Government had paid over ₦400 million in compensation to fast-track work on federal road projects in Ikere, Ado-Ijan, and Omuo-Ifaki corridors.

“Rather than bankroll comedians to act out ignorance, we urge all stakeholders to unite behind ongoing efforts to secure more federal attention for Ekiti’s road network. 

"The people deserve solutions, not sponsored drama,” RMA concluded.

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Veteran Journalist Backs Oyebanji’s Second Term Bid, Says Ekiti Can’t Afford Disruption

Respected journalist and political analyst, Akin Ogunmola, has declared strong support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, describing his second-term ambition as a necessary step to preserve the steady progress currently unfolding across Ekiti State.

Ogunmola, a respected columnist, award-winning broadcast journalist, and fearless public analyst, made this known in a widely circulated opinion piece titled “BAO: Renewing the Mandate, Celebrating Progress, and Empowering the Future.”

He argued that Governor Oyebanji’s second-term aspiration goes beyond politics and should be seen as a collective call to safeguard the gains of inclusive governance, reforms, and infrastructural renewal that the Oyebanji-led administration has delivered since assuming office in 2022.

“Governor Oyebanji gunning for a second term is not just about politics, it’s about sustaining progress,” Ogunmola wrote. “The gains made in the last few years are too critical to be derailed by an abrupt change in leadership and risk uncertainty.”

He referenced the continuity mantra which brought Oyebanji into office, stressing that the same principle remains essential as Ekiti approaches another election cycle.

According to him, the Governor’s achievements under the six pillars of development - Governance, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Agriculture and Rural Development, Knowledge Economy, Social Investments, and Youth Empowerment - have transformed from mere slogans into measurable actions.

“These are not just buzzwords. They have been the blueprint for measurable action,” he added.

Ogunmola also praised the Governor’s inclusive style of leadership, highlighting his regular engagements with former governors, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and diaspora Ekiti indigenes as proof of his people-centered governance model.

On social investment, he pointed to initiatives such as support for petty traders, free healthcare for the elderly, and subsidies for pregnant women and children as direct interventions that are touching lives.

He further cited the revamp of public schools, the recruitment of qualified teachers, the rehabilitation of roads across the 16 LGAs, and the successful test operation of the Ekiti Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, among other milestones, as compelling indicators of progress that must not be truncated.

“As a homegrown leader who was part of the creation of the state, BAO has a deep understanding of Ekiti’s needs,” he wrote. “A second term would mean deeper reforms and accelerated development.”

Referencing a Yoruba proverb, “Ti ọmọde ba ṣubú, a wo iwaju; ti àgbàlagbà ba ṣubú, a wo ẹhìn,” Ogunmola urged the people of Ekiti to look back at what Governor Oyebanji has done and weigh it against the noise of opposition.

“It is time to take a look at the performance of Governor Oyebanji in the last few years and decide whether Ekitikete are wrong to be rooting for a second term in office for him,” he wrote.

He concluded his article with a call for the people to rally around the Governor as he seeks to renew his mandate.

“Let’s give progress a second chance. Let’s give continuity a second chance. Let’s give BAO a second term,” Ogunmola appealed.

The Governor had earlier this week formally declared his intention to seek re-election at a meeting with APC stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, stating that he was yielding to “the voice of the people.”

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