Political earthquake in Ekiti: Fayose, Fayemi, Oni’s top aides defect to ADC, threaten Oyebanji’s 2026 ambition
Ado-Ekiti— In a seismic shift that could redefine Ekiti politics, high-profile loyalists of former Governors Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dealing a major blow to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s 2026 re-election bid.
The move comes as a stunning reversal, given that Fayemi, Fayose, and Oni had previously endorsed Oyebanji’s second-term ambition. But over the weekend, their once-trusted lieutenants—including former deputy governors, commissioners, and key cabinet members—gathered in Ado-Ekiti to publicly declare for the ADC, signaling a brewing revolt within Ekiti’s political elite.
Who are the big names behind the defection?
The defectors include:
- Prof. Kolapo Eleka (Fayose’s former Deputy Governor)
- Dipo Anisulowo (Ex-Chief of Staff under Fayose)
- Akin Omole (Fayemi’s former Information Commissioner)
- Sikiru Lawal (Oni’s former Deputy Governor)
- Gboyega Aribisogan (Ex-Speaker, Ekiti House of Assembly)
These heavyweights were joined by thousands of supporters from across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas, underscoring ADC’s sudden rise as a formidable opposition force.
ADC’s bold mission: “Rescue Nigeria from Tinubu, Oyebanji”
Prof. Eleka, now ADC’s Ekiti Stakeholders Coordinator, didn’t mince words, declaring the party a “coalition to save Nigerians from corrupt and visionless leaders.” He claimed the ADC enjoys the backing of political titans like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi—a claim that, if verified, could reshape Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape.
“ADC is the way,” Eleka declared. “We are tired of dead parties. This is a winning coalition to say no to a one-party system and intimidation.”
Atiku Abubakar’s representative, Prof. Bayo Fakunle, further fueled speculation of a grand opposition alliance, thanking Ekiti voters for past support and urging them to back ADC’s “new vision.”
Is this a rebellion against Fayemi, Fayose, and Oni?
Akin Omole, a former Fayemi ally, insisted his move wasn’t a betrayal but a “personal decision to join a party that truly means well for Ekiti.” Yet, the mass defection suggests deep fractures within the state’s political dynasties.
ADC’s game plan: PVCs as the “Golden Ticket”
Ekiti ADC Chairman Omolayo Ilesanmi rallied supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), calling them the “golden ticket to victory.” With the 2026 governorship election in sight, the ADC is positioning itself as the alternative for disillusioned voters.
What this means for Ekiti’s future
- APC’s hold under threat: Oyebanji now faces a reinvigorated opposition with deep roots in Ekiti’s political machinery.
- 2027 National implications: If ADC truly unites Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi’s factions, it could disrupt Tinubu’s re-election plans.
- Internal PDP/APC crisis: Fayemi and Fayose’s silence on the defections raises questions—are they secretly sympathetic, or is this a full-blown mutiny?
With ADC pledging to unify disillusioned Nigerians under a credible alternative, the 2026 elections just became far more competitive in Ekiti.