A group of concerned elders and youths within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of undermining President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) by establishing a 24-member committee to endorse his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ed by Chief Olaofe Adeniran, the group alleges that Governor Oyebanji is disregarding the NWC’s authority to organise and oversee primary elections, thereby stifling democratic processes and defying President Tinubu’s directives on internal party democracy.

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The aggrieved party members expressed their dismay at the governor’s premature move towards self-succession, particularly given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet issued any relevant directives

They emphasised that the APC constitution, specifically Section 20(1), clearly outlines the procedures for primary elections.

The group claims that APC members were invited to a meeting recently without prior knowledge of its agenda, only to be pressured into joining a committee aimed at securing the governor’s adoption, against their wishes.

They further allege that Governor Oyebanji is planning a large-scale rally to falsely portray widespread grassroots support for his candidacy.

They warned that this non-inclusive strategy to impose the governor as the party’s flag bearer contradicts President Tinubu’s emphasis on internal democracy and the need for free, fair, and transparent primaries for all elective positions.

The question on everyone’s lips is: Who exactly is Governor Biodun Oyebanji afraid of? Why this rush, the waste of financial resources for endorsement and chaotic adoption process?

The group also criticised Governor Oyebanji’s “authoritarian” style of governance, alleging that he stifles robust debate and input from State Executive Council members, which they believe is detrimental to development.

Instead of engaging in unauthorised electioneering activities, the group urged Governor Oyebanji to prioritise good governance and delivering democracy dividends to the people of Ekiti State.

They advised him to emulate Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Radah of Katsina State, and Professor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who have undertaken significant infrastructural projects and invited President Tinubu to commission them.

They lamented the absence of any infrastructure worthy of presidential inauguration in Ekiti State.

The group further accused Governor Oyebanji of wasting state resources on endorsement rallies across the state and bribing political and opinion leaders, to the detriment of critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.

They cited the state’s decline in educational rankings (28th out of 36 in the recent NECO exams) and the lack of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the state teaching hospital as evidence of this neglect.

The concerned elders also criticised the governor for appointing over 100 members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to positions, allegedly at the expense of dedicated APC members who contributed to his victory.

They warned that this “unfair reward system” could lead to apathy and anti-party activities.

“The question on everyone’s lips is: Who exactly is Governor Biodun Oyebanji afraid of? Why this rush, the waste of financial resources for endorsement and chaotic adoption process?

Why is this so-called popular governor, who should be confident in his leadership, scrambling to adopt himself with such fear and uncertainty?

This smacks of insecurity, an insecure leader attempting to secure his hold on power in the most undemocratic and panicked manner possible.

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It sends a clear message to the public: It is obvious that the governor is afraid of scrutiny. Afraid of competition. And most importantly, afraid of the truth that his dismal performance has exposed,” the group stated.