EKITI, NIGERIA – Tension don rise within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as dem dey debate Governor Biodun Oyebanji second term bid. On 20th May 2025, some elders and youths of the party, led by Chief Olaofe Adeniran, criticize the governor for putting together 24-member committee to support his emergence as the party’s candidate for 2026 governorship election.
Dem accuse Oyebanji of showing disrespect to President Bola Tinubu and disobeying the APC National Working Committee. Dem say the committee, called the BAO State Endorsement Committee and chaired by former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko, be another method for Oyebanji to enforce his candidacy.
According to the group, this move defies President Tinubu’s call for internal party democracy and could threaten APC dominance in Ekiti. “The Oyebanji government has achieved notable progress for the people of Ekiti, silencing many opposition voices,” APC Publicity Secretary Segun Dipe reply dem claims. He insist that stakeholders, not the governor, set up the endorsement committee.
On Monday, the concerned group called out Oyebanji for “closing the democratic space” against potential candidates. Dem urge Tinubu and APC leaders, including National Chairman Umar Ganduje, to intervene, saying Oyebanji’s actions could lead to backlash for the party.
Dem also express shock over what dem call the governor’s premature self-succession attempts, citing that no directives had come from the Independent National Electoral Commission on this matter. They remind say the APC constitution lays down the rules for primary elections.
“Oyebanji plan to hold a massive rally to falsely project his popularity among grassroots,” the group add. Dem go on to question the governor’s intentions, asking why he dey rush for endorsement if his performance is satisfactory.
“This behavior points to an insecure leader who appears scared of the electoral process,” dem lament. Dipe, however, condemned the group’s statements. “Dem no fit blame anyone for endorsing Oyebanji. If you look well, people dey quietly endorse other candidates too,” he argue.
According to Dipe, Oyebanji hasn’t declared interest in a second term, although others push for his candidacy. He argue that political activities like this are normal. “It not mean say the governor don start campaigning,” he affirm. Dipe add that the constitution allows Oyebanji to pursue a second term if he so desires.
“We no see evidence say Governor Oyebanji is behind the committee formation. Any official action go come from the Chief Press Secretary, but in this case, there’s nothing of such,” he conclude.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
