Gang-Up Against Oyebanji Aims to Keep Ekiti Aground, Says Faleye

…as opponents fear his second-term success would prove that homegrown leadership works in Ekiti

Political commentator, Idowu Ephraim Faleye, has warned that the pocket of opposition to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s re-election bid is driven by envy, short memories and a desire to keep Ekiti politically unstable.

In a lengthy article titled “The Sociology of Envy and Short Memory in Ekiti Politics,” Faleye argued that some political actors in the state are deliberately opposing Oyebanji, not because of poor performance, but because of fear that his rising profile could permanently alter the state’s political history.

He recalled that Ekiti has long suffered from what he described as “outsider politics,” where governors, though indigenes, built their lives and trusted circles outside the state, resulting in capital flight and neglect of local artisans and businesses.

According to him, Oyebanji represents a departure from that trend as a truly homegrown leader.

“Oyebanji’s story is different. He grew up here. He studied here. He worked here. His friends are here, his circle is here, and his trust is here. He does not need to import people to tell him what Ekiti needs,” Faleye wrote.

He laughed at the virtual support for Engr. Kayode Ojo, describing him as a political outsider whose ties and resources are largely external. Faleye questioned how Ojo’s campaign, allegedly funded by wealthy friends outside Ekiti, would not translate into a drain on the state’s resources if he becomes Governor. God forbid!

On the reported gang-up against Oyebanji, Faleye said:

“Some people are uncomfortable with Oyebanji’s rising profile because it threatens their own ambitions. They do not want him to break the jinx of second-term failure in Ekiti. Since the creation of the state, no governor has enjoyed two straight terms in office without interruption. For many, it has become a point of pride to say no one can. They prefer to keep Ekiti trapped in that cycle of instability instead of supporting continuity.”

He stressed that a second-term victory for Oyebanji would prove that “homegrown leadership works” and debunk the notion that only politicians with external ties can deliver progress.

Faleye concluded by urging Ekiti people to rise above envy and political distractions, warning that repeating the cycle of embracing “outsiders” would only deepen underdevelopment.

“It is time to water our own grass. It is time to stand by our own. It is time to say no to deception, no to envy, and no to the cycle of failure,” he declared.

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Ekiti 2026: Kayode Ojo’s Nomadic Politics and the Illusion of APC Loyalty

As the race toward the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti gathers momentum, one question keeps begging for answers: how does Kayode Ojo, with his band of nomadic followers, expect to reap from where they did not sow? As how nau?

In 2022, Ojo and his camp worked tirelessly, not for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). They fought the very house that nurtured them, openly aligning with opposition forces in a desperate bid for power. Today, the same house they sought to pull down, they now seek shelter in. How possible is that?

To make matters worse, many of his so-called supporters have not even formally defected back to the APC. They remain SDP loyalists in spirit and in structure, yet they flood WhatsApp groups daily to abuse APC leaders and ridicule the party. Such double loyalty is nothing but political rascality.

Even worse for Ojo, all his “Amajiri fans” are remnants of a dead PDP in Ekiti. Their leaders have long since teamed up with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), leaving them as political orphans, wandering without direction. Aligning with such a camp is a sure recipe for failure.

Those who will vote in the primaries, whether direct or indirect, are APC members. In a direct primary, it is every registered APC member at ward level; in an indirect primary, it is delegates chosen by those same wards. Social media jejune and WhatsApp ranting cannot win primaries.

As it is now, Kayode Ojo cannot work in Ọlọ́ta Community Bank and expect Ùláyin Community Bank to bear his financial burden. Politics doesn’t work that way. Party loyalty is built over years of sacrifice, contribution, and respect for leadership, not through online rants, factional fights, or media attacks.

Governor Oyebanji, on the other hand, has consistently shown loyalty, capacity, and accessibility. He has sown deeply into the APC, building bridges across wards, respecting party leaders, and earning genuine acceptance across the state. That is why his popularity is not just an online illusion but a reality that resonates from the grassroots to Abuja.

As the APC primaries approach, it is becoming increasingly clear that Ojo is not known in Abuja, nor is he a factor at home. Noise cannot replace structures, and betrayal cannot be rewarded with party tickets. Ekiti APC knows its true sons, and it knows who has stood, labored, and remained loyal to the party.

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“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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