In what has been described as a shocking descent into “do-or-die” politics, the Engr. Kayode Ojo Campaign Organisation (EKOCO) has issued a strongly worded press release accusing the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, of sponsoring political violence and intimidation ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries scheduled for October 27, 2025.
The campaign group alleged that on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, supporters of Engr. Kayode Ojo, a frontline aspirant and bona fide member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were brutally attacked in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area, by suspected political thugs loyal to the incumbent governor.
According to the statement, which was signed on behalf of the organisation, the incident is the latest in a series of “heinous and dastardly acts” allegedly sponsored by the Oyebanji camp in a desperate bid to silence opposition voices within the party.
> “It is most disturbing why a party known for decorum, genteelness, and civility is fast becoming a nightmare in our dear state under a man who has turned himself into a nightmare,” the statement read.
The group insisted that Ekiti Progressives are not known for “do-or-die politics,” stressing that the APC constitution clearly provides equal opportunities for all members to aspire to any elective position, including the governorship, regardless of incumbency. Citing Article 4, Subsections 9 and 10 of the APC constitution, the campaign reminded stakeholders that the party prides itself as an upholder of internal democracy and the rule of law.
The release went further to accuse Governor Oyebanji of issuing open threats to local party leaders, warning them against receiving other aspirants, particularly Engr. Kayode Ojo, whom he allegedly considers his strongest challenger. Oyebanji was also accused of intimidating his own appointees by promising “hell” for those he felt had not been promoting him enough on social media platforms.
EKOCO claimed that the Governor’s latest strategy—using violence against perceived opponents—was a dangerous escalation of political tension in the state.
The statement also drew sharp comparisons with Oyebanji’s own emergence as APC candidate in 2022, when he contested against seven other aspirants with the tacit support of former Governor John Kayode Fayemi, who, despite wielding enormous influence as a former Minister and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, did not close the political space to other contenders.
> “It is therefore terrifying and flabbergasting that a man who enjoyed such privilege would now feel jittery, queasy, and insecure to allow for the same democratic process,” the group declared.
In a scathing assessment of Oyebanji’s three-year tenure, the Ojo campaign accused the Governor of running a government on “autopilot,” with no tangible projects to show, unlike his counterparts in other states—both APC and opposition—who have been inviting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commission completed projects. Instead, Oyebanji allegedly prefers to wage “political vendetta” against those not supporting his administration.
EKOCO therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, respected party stakeholders, elders of Ekiti land, and traditional rulers to intervene and call Governor Oyebanji to order before matters spiral out of control.
The statement emphasized that Engr. Kayode Ojo remains unshaken in his resolve to contest a free and fair primary, stressing that he is not desperate but only offering himself to serve Ekiti people, who, according to them, are “tired of a government with ‘audio projects.’”
The campaign organisation further mocked Oyebanji’s earlier suggestion that Ojo should test his popularity on another political platform.
> “Contrary to Mr. Governor’s call that Engr. Kayode Ojo should try his popularity elsewhere, such advice is best suitable for him as the so-called ‘performer’ he claims to be. If he is so popular, let him contest on another platform and see Ekiti people in action,” the statement quipped.
The press release concluded with a passionate appeal for peace, urging stakeholders to rein in Governor Oyebanji and ensure a level playing field in Ekiti APC politics.
> “Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji should let peace reign in Ekiti. We therefore appeal to relevant stakeholders to rein in on Governor Oyebanji to allow for peaceful political camaraderie,” it declared.
The press release was signed for the Engr. Kayode Ojo Campaign Organisation (EKOCO).
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