Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.
SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.
He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.
“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,”; Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”;
He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.
“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,”; he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.
In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund”; and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.
“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,”; Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”;
He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.
“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,”; The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,”; he said.
