INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for June 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election

INEC has released the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election, clearing 12 political parties for the race. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji will contest on the APC platform with Monisade Afuye as deputy, while the Labour Party fields Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji. Younger contenders from NNPP and AAC are also in the race. Candidates’ qualifications range from primary school certificates to PhDs, sparking debate as campaigns intensify ahead of the poll.


#Ekiti2026 #INEC #GovernorshipElection #NigerianPolitics #EkitiDecides

Kayode Ojo Campaign Accuses Oyebanji Government of Harassment, Secret Detention and Intimidation of APC Supporters Ahead of Ekiti 2026 Election

The campaign organisation of APC governorship aspirant Engineer Kayode Ojo has accused the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji of intimidation, unlawful arrests, harassment and secret detention of its members ahead of the 2026 governorship election. In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, the group alleged that state authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, are targeting party members who support Ojo, treating them as “enemies” within the same party. The campaign highlighted several cases of alleged persecution, including the arrest and secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, popularly known as Lustay, who was reportedly denied access to his family, lawyers and medication without formal charges. The organisation also accused the Rapid Response Squad of political coercion, judicial bias, and abuse of police powers, while calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Judicial Council and prominent national figures to intervene. It demanded the immediate release of all detained supporters and an independent investigation, warning that repression, fear and internal party intimidation threaten democracy, rule of law and political freedom in Ekiti State.

#EkitiPolitics #KayodeOjo #Oyebanji #APC #2026Election #HumanRights #PoliticalIntimidation #NigeriaPolitics #RuleOfLaw

Ekiti 2026: APC Aspirant Kayode Ojo’s Supporters Allege Police Arrests, Intimidation and Secret Detention Under Governor Oyebanji as Party Crisis Deepens

Supporters of Engineer Kayode Ojo, an aspirant in the 2026 Ekiti State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have accused the Ekiti State Government and the police of sustained intimidation, arrests and harassment aimed at silencing dissent within the ruling party. The allegations were contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Kayode Ojo Campaign Organisation, Femi Awojobi, who described the situation as a serious threat to democracy, rule of law and internal party freedom in the state.

According to the campaign, APC members who openly or quietly support Ojo have been targeted through arrests, unlawful detention and intimidation, allegedly under the administration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji. Several party members across different local government areas were named as victims, including ward executives, women and youth leaders, raising concerns about what the group called a deliberate attempt to crush alternative political opinions within the APC.

The statement highlighted the arrest and alleged secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, popularly known as Lustay, as the most alarming case. Abayomi was reportedly arrested on January 1, 2026, by police officers without a warrant or explanation and denied access to his family, lawyers and medication. The campaign alleged that police initially denied holding him, only for his wife to later discover his vehicle inside the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) premises, sparking fears of abuse of power and lack of transparency.

The group further alleged that Abayomi was subjected to political intimidation, including pressure to renounce his support for Kayode Ojo, and accused the police of acting as a political tool. Describing the situation as a national embarrassment, the campaign called on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Judicial Council, civil society organisations and prominent Ekiti stakeholders to intervene, investigate alleged abuses and ensure the immediate release of all supporters detained over their political beliefs.

Alleged Attempted Murder: Ekiti Court Remands Man Who Challenged Governor Oyebanji’s Candidature Over Armed Robbery, Conspiracy, And Weapons Charges

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, also known as “Lustay,” in correctional custody over allegations of conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of offensive weapons, and malicious damage. The remand followed a police application pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Olumide’s arrest comes weeks after he filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the candidature of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Police allege that investigations linked him to violent attacks on several individuals, claims Olumide has strongly denied, insisting he is not a robber and had no involvement in political violence. The court granted the police request, ordering his detention at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre while investigations and legal review continue.

Ekiti University Teaching Hospital Dismisses Surgeon for Secretly Removing Patient’s Kidney

Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has terminated a surgeon who secretly removed a patient’s kidney during a procedure, following a panel of inquiry that confirmed the allegation. The state’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, stated that the surgical team members present will be suspended for one month pending further review. The government pledged to cover the full cost of a new kidney transplant and post-transplant care for the affected patient. The incident has sparked public outrage, with calls for criminal prosecution and full disclosure of the surgeon’s identity to prevent future violations of patient safety.

EXCLUSIVE: Ekiti State Awards ₦458Million Contracts to Firm Linked to Governor Oyebanji’s Senior Special Assistant

SaharaReporters investigation reveals that Ekiti State awarded contracts totaling ₦458 million to Doylit Nigeria Resources Limited, a company linked to Arojo Taiwo Adebimpe, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oyebanji at the Akure Liaison Office. The company, registered in 2022, received its first government contract shortly after Adebimpe’s appointment in December 2023. The latest award includes the construction of a BPP E-office and Conference Hall worth ₦443.4 million. The report raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and state contract allocation, highlighting the trend of substantial contracts being awarded to individuals connected to public officials, including “Permanent Secretaries” overseeing multi-billion naira projects in the state.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport Begins Operations as United Nigeria Airlines Launches First Direct Flight

Ekiti State has commenced commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport following a N49.7 billion investment by successive administrations. United Nigeria Airlines operated the inaugural direct flight from Abuja, carrying dignitaries and marking the beginning of passenger services. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that N14 billion was spent between 2019 and 2022, while his administration invested an additional N34 billion to complete crucial infrastructure, including the terminal, control tower, drainage systems, and Instrument Landing System.
The governor praised the contributions of former governors and Aare Afe Babalola, who donated $1.6 million worth of navigational equipment. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo described the milestone as a boost for regional trade and job creation. In a related development, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is also preparing to receive its first commercial flight after securing regulatory approval.

APC DISQUALIFIES OMISORE, SIX OTHERS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) of Friday disqualified its former National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore and other aspirants running for the Party's Governorship Primary

In a report the Committee observed that seven aspirants: Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare- failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five (5) fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area

Meanwhile, the Committee found that two (2) aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area”.

Ekiti Government constructs ₦1.8 billion lodge for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy in Abuja amid funding concerns.

The Ekiti State Government has reportedly spent ₦470 million on the construction of a new ₦1.8 billion lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, sparking public concern over the state’s spending priorities.

According to official budget records, the funds were allocated for the “construction of new governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.” A review by SaharaReporters showed that ₦470 million was expended between January and September 2025.

The report also revealed that a separate ₦320 million contract was awarded on October 8, 2025, for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House, with the contract issued to a permanent secretary in the Government House and Protocol Department.

This comes at a time when many agencies in the state have struggled to access funds for essential capital projects. An audit of Ekiti’s 2024 financial report indicated that 35 government agencies received no capital funding despite having a combined budget of ₦3.3 billion.

Among the affected institutions were the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Deputy Governor’s Office, Ekiti State Mortgage Board, Civil Service Commission, and several liaison offices and agencies responsible for public development, housing, and healthcare.

Further investigations revealed that numerous multi-million naira contracts — including those for the Ekiti Airport Project, transformer installations, and other infrastructure works — were awarded to “permanent secretaries” rather than independent contractors, raising questions about transparency and due process.

Critics have accused the state government of misplacing priorities by funding luxury projects for political officeholders while neglecting crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The development has reignited calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of public expenditure in Ekiti State.

Eight hundred and eighty five elected delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State have unanimously elected Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election.
Oyebanji said the affirmation reflected the popular will of APC members across the state and expressed his readiness to fly the party’s flag in the election.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved a new policy that extends teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 and increases the required years of service from 35 to 40, effective immediately.

The Ekiti APC governorship primary (October 27, 2025) is fast approaching, and all eyes are on Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Despite fears that he might shut others out, Oyebanji is widely seen as a humble, peace-loving democrat with unmatched grassroots appeal.

The APC national leadership has been praised for rejecting automatic tickets, showing fairness and transparency. Opponents may be uneasy, but Oyebanji’s inclusive style—consulting elders, carrying party members along, and connecting deeply with the people—has made him the clear favorite.

At this point, the numbers speak loudly: barring divine intervention, Oyebanji looks set to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

#Ekiti2025 #APCPrimary #BiodunOyebanji #EkitiPolitics #NigeriaDecides2025 #DemocracyInAction

PoliticsJUST IN: Governor Oyebanji Declares Bid For Second Term In Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has officially declared his intention to seek a second term in office, citing widespread public endorsement and political support from stakeholders across the state.
Naija News reports that the governor made his declaration on Monday during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Central Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Governor Oyebanji said encouragement from traditional rulers, civil servants, artisans, youth groups, market women, drivers’ unions, professional bodies, and political leaders across party lines played a major role in his decision to run again.

“I have listened to you and I am formally informing the party that I will run for a second term. So, I plead for your support and prayers and by His grace, I will continue to respect you,” the governor declared.

He added that the move was to consolidate on the achievements of his first term and sustain the delivery of quality governance in Ekiti State.

Expressing gratitude to the APC leadership, Oyebanji said, “Let me start by appreciating you. Thank you for your support, endurance, and for holding the party. We are extremely grateful for your prayers and understanding, and I also thank you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement.”

He further appreciated President Tinubu for his continuous support, stating that the President’s economic policies had fast-tracked development in Ekiti State.

Addressing speculations of internal conflict, the governor stressed that the APC remained a united family.

“Let me also assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC. Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership,” he said.

Oyebanji reaffirmed his loyalty to past governors of the state, describing them as “leaders of the party and foundational pillars of the APC.”

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"Our children are the architects of tomorrow — by investing in their education, health, and well-being today, we are securing a future led by capable and confident leaders."
— According to Independent Nigeria, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State assured children of a brighter future during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human capital development.