Governor Biodun Oyebanji

 Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has firmly dismissed claims that he and other key political leaders in the state are planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the influence of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The governor described the report, which has been circulating in some media outlets and social platforms, as “false, misleading, and a fabrication by disgruntled elements.” He added that remaining silent in the face of such “barefaced falsehood” would amount to a disservice to the people of Ekiti State.

In a statement released on yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that neither he nor the political figures mentioned in the report have any link to the ADC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oyebanji and the public officeholders mentioned in the report remain firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress and have no link, neither do they have any plan whatsoever to join the ADC,” Oyebode said.

He further stated that Dr. Kayode Fayemi—also implicated in the report—had recently attended an APC caucus meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, during which party leaders endorsed both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term. The event, according to Oyebode, was widely covered by print, broadcast, and digital media.

Oyebode also highlighted Governor Oyebanji’s long-standing commitment to the progressive political movement, saying:

“Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Governor Oyebanji has remained within the progressive fold. He is one of the few politicians in Ekiti State who has never left the progressive movement.”

The statement accused unnamed political actors of attempting to exploit Governor Oyebanji’s known association with Fayemi in a bid to create division between the Ekiti State government and the presidency.

“We are aware of a deliberate attempt by some mischief makers to weaponise Governor Oyebanji’s association with Dr. Fayemi in a bid to cause a rift between the governor and President Tinubu,” Oyebode stated.

He described these efforts as the handiwork of “desperate politicians” who are more interested in playing to the gallery than connecting meaningfully with the Ekiti electorate.

“They have no clue about how to market their candidature or present a coherent policy agenda, so they resort to attacking the government on social media and spinning lies,” the statement added.

Oyebode urged the public to disregard what he called a “childish media attack,” and encouraged aspirants in the upcoming governorship election to face the electorate with tangible plans rather than misinformation.

“Now that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the date for the primary election, we expect these politicians to come out boldly and sell their candidature to party members and the people of Ekiti, rather than seeking an ignoble way to gate-crash.”