Political fireworks have begun to ignite in Ekiti State as the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) engage in a war of words over the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the battle lines being drawn for the 2026 governorship election.

While the APC insists Governor Oyebanji has performed creditably across key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, tourism, and security, the SDP paints a different picture; one of alleged failure, neglect, and political favoritism.

At the forefront of the criticism is Bamikole Ayodele, SDP’s Ekiti State Chairman, who, during a press chat in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, accused Governor Oyebanji of poor leadership and ineffective governance, saying his party is fully prepared to unseat the APC in the next election cycle.

According to Ayodele, the Oyebanji-led administration has not only failed to deliver on its campaign promises but has also allowed critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, security, employment, and tourism to suffer significant setbacks. He criticized the government for “playing politics with the resources of the state” and not investing where it truly matters.

“Governor Oyebanji should desist from playing politics with the resources of the state. He is not giving us the best,” Ayodele stated. “Look around, what infrastructure can be pointed to as a major achievement of this government? The roads are in terrible condition, basic amenities are lacking, and our local economy is stagnant.”

Ayodele noted that Ekiti’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped under the current administration, despite being an agrarian state with fertile land. He proposed a more ambitious vision that includes establishing fully equipped farm settlements in each of the state’s 16 local government areas, complete with good road networks, electricity, internet connectivity, and other critical infrastructure to attract and retain youth in agriculture.

“What is stopping the government from providing a proper agricultural development plan? Why aren’t we creating opportunities where young graduates can live and work on productive farms supported by technology and modern tools?” he asked.

Speaking on security, Ayodele expressed concern over rising threats, including kidnapping and banditry, particularly in rural communities and farm areas. He said the state government has failed to create a sense of safety for residents.

He also accused the governor of nepotism, claiming that public appointments and job opportunities have been unfairly restricted to APC loyalists, ignoring the broader interests of Ekiti citizens.

“Governor Oyebanji is acting like the governor of the APC, not the governor of Ekiti State. Employment and appointments are doled out based on political affiliation, not competence or inclusion. That must change,” Ayodele said.

The SDP chairman concluded by asserting that his party is well-positioned to offer a credible alternative and is confident of victory in the 2026 election, which he described as a critical opportunity to “rescue Ekiti from stagnation.”

APC Defends Oyebanji, Says SDP Is Seeking Relevance

In a strong rebuttal, Segun Dipe, the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, described the SDP’s allegations as baseless, attention-seeking rhetoric. He dismissed the party as “nonexistent” in Ekiti’s political terrain and insisted that Governor Oyebanji has received widespread public approval for his performance.

“As a matter of fact, the governor has done well in all areas particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation. The SDP is only trying to attract attention because they lack political relevance,” Dipe said.

He pointed to several government achievements, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for several years, the rehabilitation of roads in rural areas like Ijesa Isu, and the steady development of infrastructure across the state despite the seasonal challenges.

“This is the rainy season. Naturally, construction activities are limited, but if you go to the hinterlands, you’ll see the work this administration has done,” Dipe explained. “The governor is not just building roads; he’s also restoring hope.”

In the area of agriculture, Dipe said the state government has launched multiple initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and increasing food production. He also cited improvement in tourism development and ongoing programs focused on youth employment and small business support.

“People are giving the governor kudos, and it is evident that he enjoys broad support. The voice of the people is the voice of God. We are confident that Governor Oyebanji has earned the mandate for a second term,” he said.

Dipe scoffed at SDP’s 2026 ambition, claiming that the party lacks the structure, support, and political weight to challenge the APC.

“If they are saying they will defeat us in 2026 and they haven’t even started any visible campaign or groundwork in 2025, then it is simply a joke taken too far. We are not worried about SDP. They are not a threat.”

Although the 2026 Ekiti governorship election is still more than a year away, the intensity of the verbal exchanges between the APC and SDP suggests that political campaigning whether official or unofficial, is already well underway.

Political analysts say the early attacks from the opposition may reflect both a genuine dissatisfaction with Oyebanji’s administration and an opportunity to mobilize public opinion ahead of the election. However, with the APC entrenched at both the state and federal levels, the SDP faces an uphill battle unless it can galvanize grassroots support and present a formidable candidate.

At stake in 2026 is not just the governorship, but also the political direction of Ekiti State at a time when economic hardship, youth unemployment, and infrastructural gaps continue to weigh heavily on citizens.

For now, the two parties are staking their claims; one on a record of performance, the other on a call for change. As the election season approaches, the people of Ekiti will ultimately decide which vision they trust to take the state forward.