APC Chieftain Accuses Ekiti Government of Political Persecution Against Supporters

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Engineer Kayode Ojo, has raised an alarm over what he describes as a sustained campaign of intimidation and persecution against his supporters by state agents.

In a strongly-worded statement titled “Sustained Persecution of Engineer Kayode Ojo’s Supporters in Ekiti State,” issued by his campaign organization and signed by Femi Awojobi, Ojo alleged that numerous team members have faced arrest, harassment, and unlawful detention for backing his political ambition ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

The statement condemned the pattern as “undemocratic and extremely dangerous,” warning that it erodes trust in governance, weakens party cohesion, and undermines public confidence in state institutions.

Ojo’s campaign specifically cited the arrest and secret detention of a supporter, Akogun Abayomi (popularly known as Lustay), on New Year’s Day as a “most frightening and alarming” example. According to the account, Abayomi was apprehended without a warrant or explanation after greeting a police officer in Ado-Ekiti and was subsequently denied access to his family, lawyers, and medication for days.

The statement further alleged that the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Marcus Ogundola, ordered Abayomi to renounce his support for Engineer Ojo—an order the detainee reportedly refused.

“This disturbing trend is a blemish on democracy, the rule of law, and internal party freedom in Ekiti State,” the statement read, accusing the administration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji of treating APC members as “enemies” for supporting a different aspirant within the same party.

The campaign listed several other named individuals from various towns across Ekiti who it claimed have been similarly targeted.

In response to the allegations, the statement called for urgent intervention from national figures including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and eminent legal minds from Ekiti. It also appealed to traditional rulers and civil society to prevent the state from sliding into “lawlessness.”

When contacted for a reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, Sunday Abutu, stated that the command would investigate the allegations. “We operate within the ambit of the law. If a formal complaint is made, it will be looked into,” he said.

The development highlights rising political tensions within the ruling APC in Ekiti as the 2026 gubernatorial contest draws nearer.