The Ekiti State Government has firmly denied recent reports alleging that Governor Biodun Oyebanji and several top officials are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the newly strengthened opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The rumour, which also implicated former governor Dr Kayode Fayemi as the alleged leader of the purported defection movement, has been described by the state government as entirely baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Olayinka Oyebode, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the government labelled the report a deliberate fabrication intended to sow division within the APC and create distrust between Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Governor and the public office holders mentioned in the report remain committed members of the APC. There are no plans, affiliations, or discussions underway to join the ADC,” the statement read.
It also noted that Dr Fayemi, cited in the claims as the key figure behind the alleged defection plan, recently attended the APC Caucus meeting held in Iyin-Ekiti.
During the meeting, both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji received the caucus’ endorsement for a second term—an event widely reported across various media platforms.
The government further accused unnamed political actors of attempting to manipulate Governor Oyebanji’s close relationship with Dr Fayemi in order to manufacture a rift between the Governor and the President.
However, it expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to discern such tactics.
Reiterating Governor Oyebanji’s longstanding loyalty to the progressive political movement, the statement highlighted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Oyebanji has never left the progressive camp in Ekiti State, unlike many of his contemporaries.
The government also called on the public to disregard what it described as politically sponsored falsehoods being peddled by desperate individuals eyeing the 2026 governorship seat.
It criticised these unnamed politicians for relying on social media attacks and misinformation rather than offering meaningful plans or engaging with voters.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having announced June 20, 2026, as the date for the Ekiti governorship election, the government urged aspirants to present their agendas to the people and party members instead of hiding behind falsehoods.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to follow on August 8, 2026.
