By SUNTV Global Channel
January 6, 2026 | News
The campaign organisation of Engineer Kayode Ojo, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has accused the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of intimidation, unlawful arrests, harassment and secret detention of its supporters ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement obtained by SUNTV Global Channel on Tuesday, the campaign alleged that the Ekiti State Government, working in concert with security agencies, has embarked on what it described as a coordinated crackdown on party members perceived to be loyal to Ojo.
According to the group, APC members are being “treated like enemies” simply for supporting a different aspirant within the same ruling party, a development it said threatens internal party democracy.
“This disturbing trend is a blemish on democracy, the rule of law and internal party freedom in Ekiti State. In a democracy, intimidation and persecution of party members is not only undemocratic but extremely dangerous,” the statement said.
The campaign organisation alleged that several APC members across the state have been harassed or detained over their perceived political alignment. Those named include Bayo Aderiye (Ado-Ekiti), Mrs. Toyin Abeleje, Taiwo Fabiyi (Emure-Ekiti), Taiwo Otunlape, Bayo Itakorode (Igede-Ekiti), Obebe Oluwafemi Ayekooto (Otun-Ekiti), Olugbenga Kayejo (Ikere-Ekiti), Omoleye Olajide (Ifaki-Ekiti), as well as APC ward executive members in Ikoro-Ekiti, including the ward chairman, women leader and youth leader.
The campaign described the alleged actions as a “deliberate attempt to silence alternative political opinions through fear and coercion.”
Particular concern was raised over the arrest and alleged secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, popularly known as Lustay. According to the statement, Abayomi was arrested on January 1, 2026, after exchanging New Year greetings with a police officer along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti.
“After exchanging pleasantries, the officer suddenly grabbed him and claimed they had been looking for him. He asked to know his offence and requested a warrant, but none was provided before he was whisked away,” a source familiar with the incident said.
The campaign alleged that following his arrest, Abayomi was denied access to his wife, lawyers, medication and family members, with no formal charge communicated. Lawyers who reportedly visited the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office later that night were allegedly told he was not in custody.
The following day, his wife was said to have sighted his vehicle parked within the RRS premises without its number plate, raising fears that he was being secretly detained.
The organisation further alleged that the RRS Commander, Marcus Ogundola, attempted to pressure Abayomi to renounce his support for Kayode Ojo while in custody, an allegation it said Abayomi resisted.
Beyond the police, the campaign also accused the judiciary of complicity, alleging that politically sensitive cases are being assigned repeatedly to the same magistrate, who was allegedly recalled from vacation to preside over Abayomi’s matter. It called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate alleged abuses of Form K and violations of citizens’ rights in the state.
The group urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and probe petitions reportedly filed against the RRS commander over alleged misconduct, unlawful arrests and political intimidation.
It also accused Governor Oyebanji of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the APC, claiming that party members described as Tinubu loyalists are being unlawfully deregistered in Ekiti State.
According to the campaign, the governor allegedly enlisted the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to submit what it described as a “trumped-up petition” against Abayomi over events linked to October 9, 2025.
Appeals were made to prominent Ekiti indigenes and national figures, including Dele Alake, Afe Babalola (SAN), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Babafemi Ojudu, former Ekiti governors, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene.
“Ekiti State must not be allowed to slide into an animal farm where power is abused, dissent is crushed and fear becomes a tool of governance,” the statement warned.
The campaign organisation demanded the immediate release of Akogun Abayomi and other allegedly detained supporters, as well as an independent investigation into the allegations.
“The people of Ekiti State deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, upholds democratic values and protects the rights of citizens regardless of political beliefs,” the group added.
