Politics

2026: Governor Oyebanji Raises Alarm Over Political Thuggery In Ekiti

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedSeptember 2, 2025

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, expressed concern over rising incidents of political violence in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Oyebanji, who linked the clashes to desperation by some politicians to occupy the state’s top seat, warned that his administration would not allow the peace and stability Ekiti had enjoyed in recent years to be undermined.

In a statewide broadcast, the governor described the development as a “condemnable drawback” that must not be allowed to fester. He disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that certain political actors had contracted “media hirelings from outside the state” to launch propaganda campaigns against his administration, which, according to him, had now spiralled into violent actions.

“Like many people, I have been seriously alarmed by the recent occurrence of political thuggery in some parts of the state. You all can attest to the fact that Ekiti has been peaceful in the two and a half years that we have been on the saddle. It is therefore disturbing that these attacks came after our initial appeal to stakeholders to maintain peace,” Oyebanji said.

While reiterating his commitment to a rancour-free political atmosphere, the governor appealed to political leaders to rein in their supporters and prioritise peace over ambition.

He said, “While we will not stop anyone from peacefully going about their political activities, the security agencies will be on the alert and will not allow anybody to stain our immaculate name as a peaceful and progressive state. My aspiration is not worth the precious blood of any Ekiti person.”

The governor also cautioned residents against what he termed the blackmail of “fifth columnists” using the poor state of some federal roads as a tool to malign his administration and the Federal Government.

He insisted that alternative routes were available and assured that Abuja was working on rehabilitation.

Oyebanji’s re-election bid has stirred controversy within the All Progressives Congress. Recently, the state government alleged that some party members were plotting a coordinated social media campaign against him ahead of the October 27 primaries.

One of the aspirants, Kayode Ojo, accused the governor of intimidating APC chairmen at ward and local government levels, describing the move as “vexatious” and a ploy to turn the party into his personal fiefdom.

Despite the tension, Oyebanji maintained that the unity and peace of Ekiti remained his “credal commitment”, urging his supporters to avoid violence regardless of provocation.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.