Ekiti 2026: APC Elders, Youth report Oyebanji to Tinubu, Ganduje

Certain Elders and Youth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State have reported Governor Biodun Oyebanji to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, over political machinations for the party’s 2026 governorship ticket.

The group, under the aegis of concerned Elders and Youth of APC in Ekiti State, led by Olaofe Adeniran, raised alarm that Governor Oyebanji has set up a 24-member Committee to facilitate his emergence as the party’s adopted candidate for the 2026 governorship election in the state; accusing the governor of disdain, disrespect, and flagrant disobedience to the President and APC National Working Committee (NWC).

The group, in a statement, argued that contrary to the party’s guidelines that the NWC has the responsibility to organise and oversee primary elections, the Governor is closing the democratic space against eligible and competent party members to contest for the governorship ticket in  violation of the APC guidelines and directive of President Tinubu on adherence to internal democracy.

The Concerned Elders and Youths demanded President Tinubu as APC national leader, APC national chairman, Umar Ganduje, and other leaders to call Governor Oyebanji to order to avoid an unpleasant backlash that could cost the party the 2026 governorship election.

The protesters accused the governor of premature arraignments for self-succession, even when the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not issued any directive on the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The protesters also argued that the APC constitution, essentially, Section 20(1) of the APC constitution, is specifically clear on matters relating to primary elections.

The group alleged that some APC members were invited to a meeting at the weekend, without knowledge of the agenda,  but were coerced into a committee to actualize the adoption of the governor against their wish.

The protesters also accused Governor Oyebanji of planning a mega rally to create a false impression of his acceptance at the grassroots in the state.

The protesters admonished Governor Oyebanji to focus on good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to the people, than dissipating energy to violate the Electoral Act.

They urged the governor to learn from Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Radah of Katsina State; and Professor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who are building impressive infrastructure in their states and recently invited President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the infrastructure for public use. They expressed regret that no infrastructure deserving presidential inauguration exists in Ekiti State.

The protesters expressed discontent against the governor for offering appointments to over 100 PDP members against committed and dedicated APC members who worked for his victory; warning “this unfair reward system may breed apathy and anti-party activities.”

(THISDAY)