In a bold political statement that is already stirring conversations across Ekiti State, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Hon. Dare Adeleke, has openly criticized Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO), accusing his administration of systematically suppressing the opposition ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Hon. Adeleke, addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, condemned what he described as “a calculated and aggressive assault on democracy by the Oyebanji-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government. He alleged that the current administration is employing state machinery to stifle political dissent, muzzle opposition voices, and create an uneven playing field for contenders in the forthcoming election.
Citing recent incidents, Adeleke lamented the removal and defacing of opposition campaign materials, including posters and billboards, across major parts of the state. According to him, these actions are not only undemocratic but a direct infringement on the rights of political actors and the electorate.
The destruction of campaign materials belonging to opposition candidates is a violation of the fundamental tenets of democracy, Adeleke said. This administration appears more focused on silencing opponents than on delivering good governance.
Reacting to the development, leading PDP governorship aspirant and prominent businessman, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose (DOME), threw his weight behind Adeleke’s stance, describing the chairman’s remarks as truthful, timely, and courageous.
Fayose disclosed that his own campaign had suffered similar setbacks, with his billboards vandalized and campaign posters torn down in several locations. He described the attacks as desperate tactics by a government threatened by the growing popularity of the opposition.
It is unfortunate that Governor Oyebanji would allow such crude political tactics in a state known for its progressive values, Fayose stated. But these oppressive actions only strengthen my resolve to stand firm for the people of Ekiti and to pursue the change they earnestly seek.
The aspirant reiterated his call for fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the build-up to the 2026 election, urging citizens to remain watchful and resist any attempt to subvert the democratic process.
Fayose also commended Hon. Adeleke for his boldness in speaking out, describing him as “a true democrat whose voice resonates with the yearnings of the Ekiti people.
As political tensions mount and the countdown to 2026 begins, stakeholders across the state are watching closely, with many wondering whether the allegations of political suppression will trigger a broader conversation on governance, democracy, and the integrity of the electoral process in Ekiti State.
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