A coalition of concerned elders and youths within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) by allegedly initiating steps to secure his second-term candidacy ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
The group, led by Chief Olaofe Adeniran, condemned the governor’s recent constitution of a 24-member committee tasked with facilitating his endorsement as the party’s sole candidate. The committee is chaired by former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko and was unveiled at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti.
The move comes after Oyebanji’s second-term bid was reportedly endorsed by APC leaders across the state’s three senatorial districts, including the state caucus—the highest organ of the party in Ekiti. However, critics say the process violated party rules and undermined internal democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, the aggrieved APC members accused the governor of “showing disdain and disrespect” to President Tinubu and the NWC. They argued that, according to the APC Constitution—specifically Section 20(1)—it is the NWC’s responsibility to organize and oversee primary elections.
“This action is in clear violation of the party’s constitution and guidelines,” the group stated. “Governor Oyebanji is attempting to close the democratic space by sidelining eligible and competent party members. His actions amount to a flagrant disobedience to President Tinubu’s directive for internal democracy within the APC.”
The group further alleged that several party members were invited to a recent meeting without being informed of the agenda, only to be pressured into joining the committee tasked with endorsing the governor. They also warned that plans were underway for a mega rally designed to project false grassroots support for Oyebanji’s second-term bid.
Calling for urgent intervention, the group appealed to President Tinubu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and other national leaders to rein in the governor to prevent disunity and electoral setbacks for the party in Ekiti.
They also expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet issued any directive related to the 2026 governorship polls, making Oyebanji’s premature campaign manoeuvres even more troubling.
“This type of self-succession agenda, conducted in secrecy and without due process, risks alienating loyal party members and weakening the APC in Ekiti,” the statement concluded.
