Ekiti political intimidation rises as Kayode Ojo’s supporters allege arrests, harassment, and secret detentions by Oyebanji administration ahead of 2026 election.
The campaign organisation of Engineer Kayode Ojo, a 2026 governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has accused the state government of widespread political intimidation, alleging harassment, unlawful arrests, and secret detention of its supporters.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the campaign alleged that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, in collaboration with certain security agencies, is systematically targeting members of the APC who support alternative aspirants ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
According to the group, these actions represent a coordinated effort to silence dissenting voices within the ruling party, a development the organisation described as an unprecedented assault on internal party democracy.
“This disturbing trend is a blemish on democracy, the rule of law, and internal party freedom in Ekiti State,” the campaign statement said.
“In a democracy, this pattern of intimidation and persecution is not only undemocratic but extremely dangerous, as it erodes trust in governance, weakens party cohesion, and undermines public confidence in state institutions meant to protect citizens.”
The organisation identified several APC members allegedly targeted for their perceived loyalty to Engineer Kayode Ojo.
Those named include Bayo Aderiye of Ado-Ekiti; Mrs. Toyin Abeleje; Taiwo Fabiyi of Emure-Ekiti; Taiwo Otunlape; Bayo Itakorode of Igede-Ekiti; Obebe Oluwafemi Ayekooto of Otun-Ekiti; Olugbenga Kayejo of Ikere-Ekiti; Omoleye Olajide of Ifaki-Ekiti; as well as members of the APC ward executive in Ikoro-Ekiti, including the ward chairman, women leader, and youth leader.
The campaign described these acts as a “deliberate attempt to silence alternative political opinions through fear and coercion,” warning that unchecked Ekiti political intimidation could seriously erode democratic norms and fuel unrest ahead of the election.
A particularly troubling case highlighted by the campaign is the arrest and alleged secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, popularly known as Lustay.
According to the statement, Abayomi was detained on January 1, 2026, shortly after exchanging New Year greetings with a police officer along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti.
A source told SaharaReporters that the officer reportedly claimed to have been looking for Abayomi.
“Shockingly, after exchanging pleasantries, the officer grabbed him and declared that they had been looking for him. Confused, embarrassed, and alarmed, Akogun Abayomi asked to know his offence and requested to see a warrant of arrest.
However, no explanation, warrant, or evidence was provided by the officer. He was subsequently whisked away after the arrival of other officers and detained in secrecy,” the source said.
Following his arrest, Abayomi was allegedly denied access to his wife, lawyers, medication, and family members.
When his lawyers and associates visited the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office later that night, they were reportedly told he was not in custody.
The following day, Abayomi’s wife reportedly saw his vehicle parked inside the RRS premises without a number plate, raising fears that he had been secretly detained.
“This disturbing development raises serious questions about neutrality in political engagements, transparency, accountability, and abuse of police powers in Ekiti State,” the campaign said.
The campaign organisation also accused the RRS Commander, Marcus Ogundola, of attempting to compel Abayomi to renounce his support for Engineer Kayode Ojo while in custody, a demand he allegedly refused.
The group further alleged that the judiciary has been complicit, claiming that politically sensitive cases, including Abayomi’s, are consistently assigned to the same magistrate, who was reportedly recalled from vacation to preside over the matter.
Calling for accountability, the campaign urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate alleged abuses of Form K and violations of citizens’ rights in Ekiti State.
It also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and examine multiple petitions reportedly filed against the RRS commander over allegations of misconduct, unlawful arrests, and political intimidation.
Beyond security concerns, the campaign accused Governor Oyebanji of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the APC in the state.
It alleged that party members, particularly those described as Tinubu loyalists, are being unlawfully deregistered in Ekiti State.
Additionally, the governor was accused of enlisting the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to submit a fabricated petition against Abayomi regarding events on October 9, 2025.
The campaign’s statement appealed to prominent Ekiti indigenes and national figures for intervention.
Among those called upon were the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; senior advocates of Nigeria Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, and Femi Falana; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; former governors of Ekiti State; traditional rulers; civil society organisations; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
“Ekiti State must not be allowed to slide into an environment where power is abused, dissent is crushed, and fear becomes a tool of governance.
“Political ambition must never be pursued at the expense of human rights, personal liberties, internal party democracy, and collective peace,” the statement warned.
The campaign organisation demanded the immediate release of Akogun Abayomi and all other supporters allegedly detained for their political beliefs.
It also called for an independent investigation into the allegations, insisting that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
“We strongly condemn the continued persecution of Engineer Kayode Ojo’s supporters and demand the immediate release of Akogun Abayomi and all others unjustly detained for their political beliefs.
“We also call for an independent investigation into these incidents, and for all those found responsible to be held accountable,” the statement said.
The group emphasised that history has shown repression breeds resistance, while justice and fairness foster unity and progress.
“The people of Ekiti State deserve better leadership from Governor Biodun Oyebanji, leadership that respects the rule of law, upholds democratic values, and protects the rights of all citizens regardless of political beliefs or alignment,” the campaign concluded.
With the 2026 governorship election approaching, the allegations of Ekiti political intimidation have sparked renewed debates about the role of security agencies in political contests and the need for strict adherence to democratic principles in the state.
Analysts warn that if unaddressed, these actions could deepen political divisions, erode public trust, and undermine electoral credibility.
The report underscores the need for vigilance from civil society, the judiciary, and federal authorities to ensure that party politics in Ekiti State is conducted fairly and transparently.
By highlighting these cases, the campaign hopes to safeguard internal democracy, protect citizens’ rights, and prevent the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents.
The unfolding situation also raises broader concerns about Ekiti political intimidation as a growing challenge in Nigerian politics, where alleged partisan actions by state authorities threaten the democratic process and internal party cohesion.
The campaign has pledged to continue documenting incidents and engaging national stakeholders to ensure accountability and justice for victims.
Ireport247news
