...warns against returning Ekiti to an era of crisis
Ado Ekiti
October 9, 2025
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji commands the total structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary election.
Daramola, who featured on the popular Adaba FM programme Ṣé O Mọ́ BAO Dáadáa on Thursday, said all party structures across Ekiti State; including former governors, serving and past members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, and ward executives are solidly behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
He said the APC in Ekiti has reached a level of maturity where unity of purpose has become the party’s greatest strength, adding that the adoption of Option A4 direct primary will further demonstrate where the people’s loyalty lies.
“This is not the kind of election where you support Aspirant A in the day and vote Aspirant B in the dark. Option A4 is open, transparent, and will show clearly where we all belong,” Daramola said.
Addressing the allegation that Oyebanji sidelined party members, Daramola said he personally attended a meeting where the governor outlined how he had technically and tactically provided more than 5,000 direct jobs for APC members.
"The governor recruited party loyalists into the Ekiti Peace Corps, Amotekun, Forest Rangers, and also employed qualified members into the civil service, teaching, and non-teaching positions. These are all Ekiti sons and daughters who have been gainfully employed," he explained.
He added that Governor Oyebanji has consistently paid stipends from his personal purse to party executives across the 177 wards and 16 local government areas, as well as to the state executive committee.
“No genuine party member will accuse Governor Oyebanji of neglect. He has shown uncommon generosity and inclusiveness,” Daramola said
The former lawmaker stressed that those nursing the ambition to challenge Oyebanji were only wasting their time, noting that the state would not be dragged back to the era of political instability and daily crises.
“It is okay for anyone to contest, but it is uncommonsensical and diabolical for anyone to downplay the governor’s giant strides. Oyebanji has done well to reconcile party leaders who were once sidelined and has restored peace and stability to the state,” he added.
On the issue of security, Daramola described the deployment of security personnel across the state as a constitutional duty and a proactive measure by the governor to guarantee peace before, during, and after the primary election. He said the government cannot fold its arms and allow hoodlums or political opportunists to take advantage of the exercise to cause unrest.
“It is the constitutional responsibility of the governor to protect lives and property. What Governor Oyebanji has done is purely preventive, to assure party members, delegates, and residents that the process will be peaceful and transparent,” he explained.
He said those raising alarm over the presence of security operatives were only exposing their hidden agenda.
“If anyone is complaining about the presence of security agents, it simply shows they have ulterior motives concerning the primary. The peace of Ekiti is non-negotiable, and no responsible government will compromise that,” Daramola added.
During the live call-in segment, all contributors unanimously endorsed the governor for continuity.
Omos from Owo said, “If someone is doing well, he should be retained to continue.”
Biodun from Ikere declared, “Oyebanji has already emerged.”
Comrade Olu Isijola from Owo suggested that if it were possible to amend the rules, Oyebanji should be allowed to serve up to a fourth term because of his remarkable achievements in just three years.
On his part, Comrade Dele Akarigbo noted that the people’s testimonies about the governor’s performance are enough reason to allow him to continue the good work.
Daramola concluded by emphasizing the need for consolidation rather than experimentation.
“Has Ekiti become London, New York, or Dubai? No. That’s why Governor Biodun Oyebanji should continue, to consolidate on his achievements and take us closer to that dream.”
Interestingly, no caller during the one-hour programme spoke against the governor, a clear reflection of the mood of the people ahead of the party’s primary election.
Comments
Post a Comment