Ekiti’26: Oyebanji Threatens APC EXCOs, Appointees, Crack Down On Opposition

The palpable tension of likely election defeat ahead of the APC governorship election in Ekiti State by the incumbent Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has led to some desperate moves by the Governor and his cohorts in an attempt to subjugate and coerce APC State, LGA, Ward executive members and political appointees in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in May announced July 20 and August 8, 2026, as the governorship election dates in Ekiti and Osun States, respectively. Following the announcement, Governor Oyebanji has embarked on various endorsements while the government continues to crack down on some APC leaders who are supporters of the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Mr. Kayode Ojo.

In a trending video, Governor Oyebanji was seen threatening APC State, LGA, Ward executive members and political appointees in the state as some political thugs loyal to the Governor continue to arrest, harass, intimidate, prosecute, and persecute APC members who are supporters of Engr. Kayode Ojo across the state.

Oyebanji said, “I want to see the Local Government, I want to see the local government Chairman and ward Chairman that will open their door and office to these people. If they are popular, they should go to another party and contest the election.”

In a visibly shaken state, the Governor said, “We need to seize the social media space.” On his appointees who are on social media platforms, the Governor said, “I’m marking them one by one. I am not going to talk now, but be assured that those of you who are on platforms where they are dragging us and keeping quiet, and you are collecting salary from this administration, we will come back to you at the appropriate time.”

The statement of Governor Oyebanji has continued to generate reactions from within and outside the country. Some said, has Oyebanji forgotten that this is a democracy where freedom of speech is guaranteed, a free press state guaranteed by the freedom of information bill, and this is an era of citizen journalism?

While others fumed that, has Mr. Governor turned Ekiti into his personal enterprise where salaries being paid to workers are a weapon for loyalty, even when the Governor has not performed? Are these Appointees his personal staff or working for the state? Has Mr. Governor forgotten that this is a democracy and that he was voted in by the people and that these people can demand accountability at any time?

These are some questions begging for answers.

Governor Oyebanji is being accused by the electorate, especially APC members, of poor performance despite the huge resources resulting from a skyrocketing increase in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

There has been an increase in infrastructure deficit across all sectors of the state economy, including roads, water, health, education, and agriculture, while business owners are gasping over multiple taxes under Governor Oyebanji.

It would be recalled that the Governor had, on August 11, 2025, sacked more than 90 percent of his cabinet members on what some observers described as a fear of the unknown and political tension of a likely shift of loyalty to another aspirant by some of the sacked cabinet members.

Also, more than ten political appointees, including Mr. Wale Alade-Oba, Mr. Iseal Adesokan, and Mr. Dada Abiodun John, among others, had earlier tendered their resignation letters on what some of them called personal reasons, while others had accused the Governor of running a directionless, exclusive and deceitful administration with majority APC members being sidelined and oppressed.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Welcomes Opposition Members to ADC in Lagos

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola welcomed a group of opposition members into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State.

In his address, Aregbesola expressed his delight, stating, “I’m thrilled to welcome you to our great party, ADC. When like-minded individuals come together, they drive progress.”

Aregbesola emphasized the party’s coalition goal, “Our mission is to lead Nigeria to the promised land by 2027, with God’s guidance.”

He extended a warm welcome to the new members and anticipated more to join.

Bye-Elections: APC Group Hails Deputy Senate President Barau for Kano Landslide Victory, Transformative Leadership

The APC Vanguard has hailed Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin for orchestrating a resounding victory in the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency bye-election, cementing his status as the preeminent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

In a press statement signed by President Comrade Dan Yusuf, the group praised Barau’s “unparalleled political mastery, visionary stewardship, and relentless dedication,” which secured a landslide win for APC candidate Garba Ya’u Gwarmai.

Recall that the APC candidate clinched 31,472 votes against the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) Yusuf Ali Maigado, who polled 27,931 votes, as declared by INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Muhammad Waziri of Bayero University.

Since assuming the role of Deputy Senate President, the highest-ranking official from Kano, the group said Barau has transformed the state’s political landscape, drawing thousands of rival supporters and leaders from the ruling NNPP and other political parties.

The Vanguard emphasised that this wave of defections is not mere politicking but proof of Barau’s “exceptional performance, magnetic leadership, and ability to inspire trust and unity across divides.”

“Barau’s strategic brilliance has dismantled the NNPP’s entrenched political machinery, proving that the APC, under his guidance, is an unstoppable force,” Yusuf added.

“This emphatic victory underscores Senator Barau’s ability to galvanise grassroots support, as evidenced by the massive turnout at the electrifying campaign rally he led in Kano North Senatorial District.

“His message of progress, unity, and alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative agenda resonated powerfully, mobilising voters and redefining the state’s political dynamics.

“Senator Barau’s leadership transcends electoral success; it is a movement that has sparked a wave of defections, with thousands of opposition supporters and leaders joining the APC, inspired by his track record of integrity, delivery, and inclusive governance.

“His ability to unite diverse stakeholders and convert rivals into allies highlights his exceptional statesmanship, making him a beacon of hope for Kano and Nigeria at large.”

The group noted that Barau’s leadership transcends electoral success, describing it as a movement driven by integrity, inclusive governance, and a commitment to progress, security, and prosperity.

According to Danladi, his ability to convert opposition figures into APC allies has positioned him as a beacon of hope for Kano and Nigeria, setting a strong foundation for the party’s ambitions in the 2027 general elections.

“We applaud INEC for upholding transparency and credibility in the electoral process, ensuring the people’s will prevailed despite challenges,” Yusuf stated.

“The APC Vanguard calls on all members, supporters, and Nigerians to rally behind Senator Barau’s dynamic leadership as we build toward a sweeping victory in 2027.

“His superlative performance has solidified Kano as an APC stronghold, setting the stage for the party to dominate the national political landscape.

“Let this historic win serve as a clarion call to all Nigerians: with leaders like Senator Barau steering the APC, we are forging a future of unity, development, and unparalleled progress.

“The APC Vanguard stands firmly behind our Deputy Senate President, confident that his transformative leadership will continue to inspire and deliver for Kano, the North, and the entire nation.”