Ekiti guber: Oyebanji has no link with political violence — APC

The Biodun Oyebanji administration and the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State have denied allegations linking the governor and the party to political violence ahead of the forthcoming elections, insisting that their campaign strategy is rooted in performance and grassroots mobilisation rather than intimidation.

In a statement issued on Monday by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Segun Dipe, the APC maintained that Governor Oyebanji “has no killer gang” and does not subscribe to violence as a means of winning elections.

The party said its confidence ahead of the polls was based on the achievements of the current administration and the support it claimed to have garnered across the state through extensive engagements with residents and party faithful.

The statement followed the conclusion of Governor Oyebanji’s statewide tour of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, during which he met with traditional rulers, market leaders, youth groups, and ward-level party structures.

“Let it be clear: Governor Oyebanji has no killer gang. We do not believe in winning elections through intimidation.

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“Our campaign is on the roads built, the PHCs upgraded, the youth empowered, and the party united from the ward to the state level,” the statement read.

The APC further stated that Ekiti State has remained relatively peaceful under the current administration, adding that statutory security agencies have continued to maintain public order across the state.

According to the party, the prevailing atmosphere of calm provides citizens with the freedom to participate in the electoral process without fear or coercion.

The party also reiterated its ambition to secure 500,000 votes in the election, saying the target was driven by direct engagement with voters in all 177 wards across the state.

The party said, “We are asking Ekiti people to come out and vote based on what they have seen and what they expect to continue. That is how democracy should work.”

The APC urged residents to disregard claims associating the administration with political violence, while calling on political stakeholders and supporters to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.