Oyebanji blasts defection rumours, says he’s not leaving APC

Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has denied claims that he has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The governor, in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, described the report as a desperate lie from political mischief-makers aiming to destabilise the state and confuse voters.

The rumour, which went viral over the weekend, alleged that Oyebanji, alongside former Governor Kayode Fayemi and some APC leaders, had secretly joined ADC ahead of the 2026 election.

But Oyebanji fired back, saying there was no truth in the claim and that he remains “firmly rooted” in the APC.

“Ordinarily, I would have ignored such childish propaganda, but silence could mislead unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement said.

“For the record, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the public office holders mentioned in the report remain committed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At no time did they have any plan or discussion to join ADC.”

He also pointed out that Fayemi, who was accused of leading the alleged defection, recently attended the APC caucus meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, where the party endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for second terms.

“This is clearly a failed attempt to use my relationship with Dr Fayemi to cause bad blood between me and President Tinubu. But Mr President is too smart for that kind of cheap blackmail,” the governor added.

He accused some unnamed governorship aspirants of sponsoring the rumour in a bid to gain relevance ahead of the party’s primary election.

“These desperate politicians have no idea how to sell themselves to Ekiti people. Rather than engage in meaningful campaigns, they’re hiding behind social media to peddle lies and confusion,” he said.

Oyebanji urged APC members and Ekiti residents to ignore the rumour, saying those behind it are only trying to “gate-crash” into political relevance.