The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA) has denounced the recent endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term by some prominent politicians, calling it “an effrontery and a joke taken too far.”
In a statement signed by Daramola Abiola, the Ekiti State Coordinator of NYFA, the group expressed dismay that political figures they described as part of the state’s “old brigade,” including former Governors Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, as well as former Senator Abiodun Olujimi, are aligning themselves with Governor Oyebanji, despite what NYFA termed a record of poor performance and misplaced priorities.
“We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect a different result,” the statement read. “Former Governor Fayose, whose tenure was marred by violence and betrayal, is now mentoring the Governor. Former Governor Fayemi, who brought Oyebanji to power, has been sidelined in favour of praise-singers.”
According to the group, Oyebanji began campaigning for a second term from his first day in office, neglecting the pressing developmental needs of the state. They criticized his administration’s failure to provide basic infrastructure, lamenting the poor condition of federal roads and the lack of federal presence in the state.
“Despite a tripling of the state’s allocation in the last two years, Ekiti remains underdeveloped. Our educational institutions look like glorified secondary schools. Nothing seems to be working,” NYFA declared.
The group praised former Governor Fayemi for refusing to endorse Oyebanji, describing his decision as “honourable” and “historically significant.”
In a scathing remark, NYFA described Oyebanji as “the worst governor in Ekiti history,” questioning his qualifications and alleging that his rise to power was based on loyalty rather than competence.
The group also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national and local levels, calling the ruling party “an embarrassment” and blaming it for rising poverty, inflation, and anti-business policies.
NYFA affirmed its commitment to mobilizing alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other stakeholders to unseat Oyebanji in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
“Just as we are poised to remove President Tinubu from office in 2027, we will also remove Governor Oyebanji to ensure our state is not used as a template for electoral manipulation. Ekiti deserves better,” the statement concluded.
The ADC has vowed to present what it calls a “government of recovery” in Ekiti, promising an inclusive and development-focused administration.
