Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distanced himself from reports linking him to any aspirant ahead of the forthcoming Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency APC primary election, insisting that the party ticket must be determined solely by members.
Sources close to the governor disclosed on Wednesday that Oyebanji has no preferred candidate and is maintaining neutrality in the race.
The governor was reportedly displeased over claims by an aspirant allegedly telling delegates and ward chairmen that he had secured Oyebanji’s endorsement.
“The governor is not interested in imposing any candidate,” a source said. “He wants all aspirants to engage party members, present their manifestos, and allow delegates to make their choice freely.”
According to the sources, Oyebanji described the alleged endorsement claims as misleading and warned aspirants against using his name to gain political advantage.
The governor was said to have reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening internal democracy within the APC by ensuring a transparent and credible primary process that reflects the will of party members across Oye and Ikole.
Oyebanji has consistently maintained that his administration is focused on governance and service delivery, not interference in party primaries.
Political stakeholders in Ekiti have also noted that the governor’s neutral stance could help ease tensions within the party and position the APC more strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
