Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has rebuffed claims that he has abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, the governor denounced the allegations as ill-intentioned fabrications from political mischief-makers aiming to destabilise the state and confuse voters.
These unfounded rumours, which emerged over the weekend, suggested that Oyebanji, along with former Governor Kayode Fayemi and other APC figures, had covertly joined the ADC in light of the approaching 2026 elections. Oyebanji’s response was swift, asserting that such claims are entirely false, and reaffirming his commitment to the APC.
“Ordinarily, I would ignore such childish propaganda, but silence could mislead unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement clarified.
“To set the record straight, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the public officials cited in the report are steadfast members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At no point have they entertained any plans or discussions about joining the ADC.”
He also mentioned that Fayemi, who was accused of orchestrating the alleged defection, had recently taken part in an APC caucus meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, where the party endorsed both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for re-election.
“This is clearly an unsuccessful attempt to exploit my connection with Dr. Fayemi to create tension between me and President Tinubu. Mr. President is too astute for such low-level manipulation,” the governor added.
He accused certain unnamed gubernatorial aspirants of being behind the rumours, seeking to gain attention in advance of the party’s primary elections.
“These desperate politicians have no clue how to engage with the Ekiti people. Rather than partake in meaningful campaigns, they choose to hide behind social media to spread lies and confusion,” he remarked.
Oyebanji urged APC members and Ekiti residents to dismiss the baseless claims, asserting that those behind them are simply trying to “gate-crash” into political relevance.