Oyebanji Warns Against Smear Campaigns, Defends Tinubu’s Commitment To Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned against what he described as attempts by “unpatriotic elements” to incite the public against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the state of federal infrastructure in Ekiti.

Speaking at the annual Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, hosted by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, Oyebanji dismissed claims of federal neglect as baseless and politically motivated. 

He maintained that President Tinubu has demonstrated clear commitment to Ekiti’s development through ongoing projects, urging residents to remain patient as longstanding challenges are gradually addressed.

“The President of Nigeria is fully supportive of Ekiti State. He is doing everything possible to assist us, and I stand here to testify to that,” Oyebanji said.

The governor cited federal projects including the Ado–Ikere–Iju–Ita Ogbolu–Akure road and the Ijan–Afe Babalola–Ado road, stressing that minor setbacks were being resolved and contractors would soon return to site. 

He cautioned against using the state of the Aramoko–Ita–Awure road to measure Tinubu’s performance, adding: “It is unfair to judge the government solely by that road. Ekiti people are not ingrates.”

Oyebanji rejected efforts by some APC chieftains to distort facts for political gain. “We must not play politics with everything. President Tinubu is doing his best, and we reject any attempt to portray him as unsupportive of Ekiti people, especially from those nursing governorship ambitions within our own party,” he said.

Separately, the Ekiti State Government raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated social media campaign against Oyebanji ahead of the October APC governorship primary. 

In a statement, the governor’s media adviser, Yinka Oyebode, alleged that opposition figures, some within the APC had contracted over 150 influencers, including national figures, to spread false claims, forged documents, and AI-generated graphics targeting the governor and other officials.

According to Oyebode, the same group had earlier attempted to discredit President Tinubu using the Itawure–Aramoko–Igede road as a pretext. 

“This time, the plot will be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The public, security agencies, and relevant institutions have been put on notice,” he warned.

The government urged aspirants to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid character assassination. 

“The Oyebanji administration welcomes constructive criticism and is open to sincere enquiries. But we reject smear tactics and violence in the name of politics,” the statement added.

The October APC governorship primary in Ado-Ekiti is expected to feature Governor Oyebanji, businessman Kayode Ojo, and politician Abimbola Olajumoke. 

While Oyebanji is considered the frontrunner, backed by four former governors and leaders across the state, Ojo and Olajumoke have declared their intentions to challenge him.

The party’s state leadership, led by Sola Elesin, has yet to decide whether the primary will be conducted through direct, indirect, or consensus voting. The contest is widely seen as a key political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.