The campaign organization 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 the secret detention of its members ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on January 6, 2026, the campaign organization claimed that the Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has launched a systematic campaign to silence dissenting voices within the ruling party, especially those supporting other aspirants.

Allegations of Intimidation Within APC

The statement highlighted that members of the APC were being treated like “enemies” merely for supporting a different candidate within the same party. The group described the pattern of harassment as a blemish on democracy and a dangerous trend that undermines party cohesion and public trust in governance.

The statement reads, “In a democracy, this pattern of intimidation and persecution is not only undemocratic but extremely dangerous, as it erodes trust in governance, weakens party cohesion, and undermines public confidence in state institutions that are meant to protect citizens.”

Several APC members were named, including 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), and Omoleye Olajide (Ifaki-Ekiti), as well as members of the APC ward executive in Ikoro-Ekiti. These individuals have reportedly been harassed or detained due to their perceived loyalty to Ojo.

The Case of Akogun Abayomi (Lustay)

The most troubling case highlighted was the arrest and alleged secret detention of Akogun Abayomi, a supporter of Ojo, popularly known as Lustay.

Abayomi was reportedly arrested on January 1, 2026, after exchanging New Year greetings with a police officer along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti. The officer allegedly grabbed him without explanation, and Abayomi was taken into custody without being shown a warrant of arrest or informed of the reason for his detention.

Sources claim that Abayomi was denied access to his wife, lawyers, medication, and family members, and no formal charges were communicated. Despite efforts by his lawyer and associates to locate him, the police at the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) denied having him in custody. The following day, Abayomi’s wife allegedly saw his vehicle at the RRS premises, but it was missing its number plate, raising fears that he had been secretly detained.

The RRS Commander, Marcus Ogundola, allegedly attempted to force Abayomi to renounce his support for Kayode Ojo, a request he reportedly refused.

Judicial Complicity and Alleged Misuse of Power

The campaign organization also accused the judiciary of complicity, claiming that a magistrate who has been repeatedly assigned to politically sensitive cases was allegedly recalled from vacation to preside over Abayomi’s case.

The group urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate abuses of Form K and violations of citizens’ rights in the state, calling for transparency and accountability.

Call for Police Intervention

The Kayode Ojo campaign also called for an investigation into multiple petitions filed against RRS Commander Marcus Ogundola, alleging misconduct, unlawful arrests, and political intimidation.

They further accused Governor Oyebanji of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the APC by unlawfully deregistering party members in Ekiti State. The organization claimed that Biodun Oyebanji had enlisted the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to submit a “trumped-up petition” against Abayomi, accusing him of being involved in events from October 9, 2025.

Appeal for National Intervention

The campaign organization also appealed to prominent Ekiti indigenes, national figures, and organizations, including Dele Alake (Minister of Solid Minerals Development), Afe Babalola (SAN), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Senator Babafemi Ojudu, and civil society groups, to intervene in the matter.

They warned that Ekiti State must not be allowed to slide into an “animal farm”, where power is abused, dissent is crushed, and fear becomes the tool of governance. The statement emphasized that political ambition should never come at the expense of human rights, internal party democracy, and collective peace.

Demand for Release and Independent Investigation

The campaign organization strongly condemned the persecution of Kayode Ojo’s supporters and demanded the immediate release of Akogun Abayomi and all other detained supporters. They also called for an independent investigation into the allegations and for those responsible for the unlawful actions to be held accountable.

The statement concluded, “History has shown that repression breeds resistance, while justice and fairness foster unity and progress. The people of Ekiti State deserve better leadership from Governor Biodun Oyebanji—leadership that respects the rule of law, upholds democratic values, and protects the rights of all citizens regardless of political beliefs or alignment.”