Ekiti 2026: APC factions clash over Oyebanji’s re-election ambition

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Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s endorsement for a second term has the All Progressive Congress, or APC, Ekiti State branch embroiled in dispute.

According to information received, Governor Oyebanji has been accused of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee by a group of concerned APC elders and youths led by Chief Olaofe Adeniran.

They further asserted that Oyebanji had planned the creation of a 24-member “BAO State Endorsement Committee,” which was presided over by former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko, in order to establish himself as the party’s nominee for governor in 2026.

According to the group, the action undermines Tinubu’s repeated appeals for internal democracy and could weaken the APC’s position in the state.

The organization claims that Oyebanji has denied other qualified and capable party members access to the democratic sphere.

To call the governor to order, the group has summoned the party’s national leaders, including Tinubu and APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje.

They further contended that the governor should refrain from his intentions for self-sufficiency because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not issued election guidelines.

They claim that events like a planned mega gathering would be deceiving the public and breaking the nation’s Electoral Act.

“Why the rush?” the group queried, adding: “Why this scramble to impose himself, despite widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership?”

Segun Dipe, the Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, however, rejected the group’s assertions in its response.

He asserted that stakeholders, not the governor, established the endorsement committee.

Dipe emphasized that endorsements and other political actions are common and do not constitute official campaigns or infractions.

Governor Oyebanji hasn’t made any public announcements about his desire to run for a second term, he continued.

Various groups’ statements of support, he said, are merely indications of their faith in the governor’s abilities and do not constitute a party decision or campaign statement.

He went on to say that a governor may run for a second term under the Nigerian Constitution and APC rules.

“If Oyebanji chooses to run, he is within his constitutional rights.

“At the moment, no law has been broken, and there is no official communication from the governor regarding any endorsement process,” he said.

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