Ekiti Political Violence has prompted Governor Oyebanji to condemn thuggery and call for peace ahead of the 2026 governorship election
Ekiti Political Violence is raising serious concerns, as Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday warned against rising political thuggery and media attacks ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Also read: Ekiti State House of Assembly Independence Defended Amid Rubber Stamp Claims
In a statewide broadcast, the governor condemned recent incidents of unrest, describing them as a “condemnable drawback” to the peaceful reputation of the state.
“Like many people, I have been seriously alarmed by the recent occurrence of political thuggery in some parts of the state,” Oyebanji said.
He blamed the violence on desperate attempts by political actors to seize power, stressing that his administration would not tolerate the breakdown of law and order.
“We want to assure our citizens that we are more than resolved to protect our state,” he stated, adding that Ekiti had maintained a low crime rate and received recognition as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
Oyebanji revealed intelligence reports indicating that some actors had hired media operatives from outside Ekiti to launch orchestrated propaganda and false accusations against his administration.
“We did not envisage that the devilish plans included premeditated violent campaigns,” he said.
Calling for restraint, the governor urged political leaders to control their supporters and prioritize peace above personal ambition.
“My aspiration is not worth the precious blood of any Ekiti person,” he declared, appealing to his followers to conduct themselves with dignity, even in the face of provocation.
On infrastructure issues being politicized, Oyebanji cautioned citizens against “fifth columnists” attempting to weaponize road conditions for political blackmail.
“Ekiti is not the only state with federal roads in need of repairs,” he said.
“The Federal Government is already working to commence rehabilitation, and we have provided alternative routes.”
The rising tension comes on the heels of Oyebanji’s recent declaration to seek re-election in 2026, a move that has sparked intra-party disputes within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Party aspirant Kayode Ojo has accused the governor of trying to intimidate APC chairmen at the local and ward levels to suppress other contenders, calling the alleged tactics “ludicrous” and “vexatious.”
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has alleged that some ruling party members are plotting a coordinated social media smear campaign against the governor ahead of the October 27 APC primaries.
Despite the escalating tension, Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful governance and democratic values.
Also read:Ekiti Governor Defends Tinubu Over Federal Infrastructure Claims
“The peace and unity of Ekiti go beyond mere sloganeering—it is a sacred commitment I am bound to uphold,” he said.
