Ekiti Governor Denies Defection Plot Amid Rising Political Realignment
…Says allegiance to APC remains unshaken despite ADC coalition rumours
Amid intensifying realignment efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has strongly denied speculations linking him and other political heavyweights in the state, including his predecessor Kayode Fayemi, to the opposition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
The denial followed a media report suggesting that Fayemi alongside other former Buhari-era ministers such as Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi was engineering a defection of key Ekiti APC leaders to the ADC. The coalition, which claims to be Nigeria’s best hope at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has gained recent attention following its controversial alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
In a statement issued Monday by his spokesperson Olayinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described the defection rumours as “baseless” and “a deliberate fabrication by political mischief-makers” seeking to sow discord within the APC and discredit his administration.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji and all public office holders mentioned remain firmly committed to the APC,” Oyebode said. “There is neither plan nor negotiation whatsoever to defect to the ADC or any opposition party.”
Playing Defense or Sending a Message?
While Oyebanji’s rejection of the claims may appear decisive, critics argue that the strong-worded statement reveals deeper anxieties within the APC’s inner ranks, especially in states like Ekiti, where political loyalties have historically shifted under pressure.
Analysts note that the governor’s reference to the “childish media attack” and the “hidden agenda” of some unnamed governorship aspirants may signal brewing intra-party tensions. As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced the timeline for party primaries, political actors across party lines are recalibrating their alliances and exploring fallback options.
The governor’s media aide also made a notable point in distancing Oyebanji from any rift with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amid speculation that Fayemi’s close ties to some ADC figures could complicate loyalties in the region.
“Mr. President is a strategic politician who can see through their shenanigans,” the statement read, in what appeared to be an attempt to reaffirm Ekiti’s loyalty to Tinubu amid the national political shuffle.
Fayemi’s Role Under Scrutiny
Though Oyebode insists that Fayemi “can defend himself,” the former governor’s recent low-profile engagements, and his long-standing ties to many ADC coalition members, have sparked interest. Fayemi’s attendance at an APC caucus meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, where he endorsed both Tinubu and Oyebanji for re-election, was cited as evidence of continued loyalty. Still, observers say symbolic gestures may not be enough to erase growing suspicion of political hedging.
Local Tensions, National Implications
The timing of the rumour, just as Ekiti gears up for its next governorship election cycle, has heightened concerns about the APC’s cohesion in the state. The Oyebanji camp blames “desperate politicians with no clue” for weaponizing the media in lieu of building grassroots support, an allegation that underscores the fragility of consensus within the ruling party.
Yet the governor’s defensive tone also highlights the increasing pressure APC leaders face as Nigeria’s political opposition albeit fragmented, begins to rally under new coalitions. The ADC-led effort, though still riddled with contradictions and credibility issues, is already testing loyalties in traditionally APC-dominated regions.
As 2027 draws closer, the bigger question remains: Can the APC hold its internal structures together, or will disgruntled factions find their voice in new alliances, no matter how shaky?
Reference
Ekiti Governor Denies Defection Plot Amid Rising Political Realignment