Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, former INEC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Ekiti, has vowed to report individuals spreading false statements attributed to him to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police. He warned that any attempt to tarnish his reputation could trigger legal action.
The controversy follows claims by associates of Engr. Kayode Ojo suggesting that the APC is delaying the submission of its governorship candidate’s particulars for the 2026 Ekiti State election because it has internal issues.
One of Ojo’s media men had been quoted as saying that Alhaji Gbadegesin stated in a radio interview, "Parties that have not submitted names might have intentions to change candidates or issues to sort out."
Gbadegesin, however, firmly debunked the report, clarifying that he has been stationed in Lagos since December 2021 and formally disengaged from the Ekiti office. He emphasized that he has not granted any interviews in Ekiti recently, especially in light of personal circumstances following the passing of his wife.
"I'm requesting information about individuals spreading false information about me. I've been stationed in Lagos since December 2021 and have formally disengaged from the Ekiti office. I'm concerned that some individuals may be attempting to damage my reputation, especially as I plan to retire from the Commission soon.
The author of the fake report should provide details of the interview, including the time and radio station. In Lagos, interviews are carefully censored and require approval from the Hon. REC. I've not granted any recent interviews, especially given my personal circumstances following my wife's passing.
I'll be reporting this incident to the Police and DSS, and I request that you help verify the claim. Let's maintain peace and stability in Ekiti State, where I've served for 17 years." Gbadegesin said.
According to official timelines, the APC has completed all processes for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election. These include the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, delegates congress, and the governorship primary held on October 29, and ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) on October 30, 2025.
INEC’s nomination portal is set to open on November 28, 2025, and will remain accessible until December 22, 2025, with the final deadline for submission on January 16, 2026. Campaigns for the June 20, 2026 election are scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026.
The APC, through one of its media body, Renewed Media Agenda (RMA), later clarified that its timetable is fully aligned with INEC’s schedule and stressed that the party has completed all internal processes well before the official submission window. RMA noted that rumours of delays are unfounded and stem from individuals dissatisfied with the party’s primary outcomes.
“The APC has done its part and is simply waiting for INEC’s portal to open. No political party can submit a candidate before November 28, and everything is proceeding exactly as the law provides,” RMA said.
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