Lukman Abdulmalik
The Ekiti State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Biodun Oyebanji and some top officials are planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the government accused unnamed political opponents of orchestrating the rumour to destabilize the state’s political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
“The faceless report alleging Governor Oyebanji and others are defecting to the ADC, supposedly under the influence of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, is nothing but a fabrication from mischief makers,” the statement read. “Governor Oyebanji remains fully committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no affiliation with the ADC.”
Oyebode emphasized that both Governor Oyebanji and Dr. Fayemi are longstanding members of the progressive fold and have shown unwavering loyalty to the APC. He recalled that Dr. Fayemi recently participated in the APC caucus meeting held in Iyin-Ekiti, where the party reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and endorsed Oyebanji for a second term.
The statement further alleged that the rumour is part of a campaign by desperate politicians seeking to sow discord between the governor and President Tinubu by exploiting his close ties with Fayemi.
“These falsehoods are tactics by politicians who lack credible plans for governance and are instead focused on spreading lies to mask their frustrations,” Oyebode added.
He urged Ekiti citizens to disregard the report and remain confident in the governor’s leadership and commitment to progress. He also called on aspirants eyeing the 2026 governorship election to present their agendas to the people instead of resorting to falsehoods.
“With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing the date for the APC primaries, it’s time for serious contenders to face the people, not hide behind fake news,” the statement concluded.
