Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has firmly denied reports suggesting that he, alongside some political leaders and public officeholders in the state, is planning a defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), allegedly under the influence of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Describing the claims as “false, misleading, and a fabrication of disgruntled elements,” Governor Oyebanji stated that remaining silent in the face of such deliberate misinformation would amount to a disservice to the people of the state.

The governor made his position known through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, on Monday.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oyebanji and the public officeholders mentioned in the report remain firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have no link, nor any plan whatsoever, to join the ADC,” the statement declared.

Oyebode further explained that Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of the state, had recently attended the APC caucus meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, where the group endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term in office. The development, he said, was widely covered across media platforms.

Highlighting Governor Oyebanji’s unbroken loyalty to the progressive fold since the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Oyebode said, “He is one of the very few who has never moved out of the progressive movement in Ekiti State.”

The statement accused political detractors of attempting to sow division between Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu by weaponising his known political relationship with Dr. Fayemi.

“Unfortunately for these jesters, Mr. President is a strategic politician who can see through their shenanigans and hidden agenda,” it read.

Oyebode also alleged that the defection rumour was a smear campaign being driven by some desperate politicians hoping to contest the 2026 governorship election but lacking public appeal or credible platforms.

“Instead of presenting their plans to the people or connecting with party members meaningfully, these politicians hide behind social media to churn out unintelligent lies against the governor and the APC-led government,” he added.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having recently announced the schedule for party primaries, the governor’s aide urged all aspirants to come forward and market their vision to “Ekitikete” rather than resorting to dishonest political tactics.

“Ekiti people are urged to disregard this childish media attack. The governor remains focused on delivering good governance and consolidating the progress already made,” the statement concluded.