The political landscape in Ekiti State is heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with accusations of violence and intimidation dominating the discourse between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC has vehemently condemned what it alleges are politically motivated attacks orchestrated by the APC to stifle opposition voices and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the upcoming polls. The party points to a recent incident in Ikere Ekiti, where a political meeting was disrupted by alleged APC thugs, resulting in injuries, vandalism, and theft. The ADC portrays this event as part of a larger pattern of APC-sponsored violence aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining its grip on power.
The ADC, in a strongly worded statement, has characterized the APC as a party driven by desperation and a thirst for power, rather than a commitment to democratic principles and the well-being of the Ekiti people. They argue that the APC, instead of engaging in constructive dialogue and presenting policy proposals to the electorate, is resorting to violence and intimidation as its primary political strategy. This, they contend, is a dangerous trajectory that threatens the stability and future of Ekiti State. The ADC has appealed to various stakeholders, including security agencies, INEC, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating further.
In contrast, the APC has vehemently denied the ADC’s allegations, dismissing them as the desperate cries of attention-seeking newcomers to Ekiti politics. The party’s spokesperson, Segun Dipe, maintains that the APC is a peaceful and well-established party with a strong grassroots presence, and questions how a relatively unknown party like the ADC could credibly claim to be intimidated by them. Dipe attributes the alleged violence to the ADC’s own actions, suggesting they are attempting to import insecurity into Ekiti and fabricate a crisis. He emphasizes the state’s reputation for security under Governor Oyebanji and warns anyone attempting to disrupt the peace that they will face the full force of the law.
The APC spokesperson further advises the ADC to adhere to proper procedures for organizing political gatherings, such as informing the police to ensure adequate security. This, he argues, would prevent unnecessary confrontations and accusations of violence. He dismisses the ADC’s claims as baseless attempts to create artificial problems and cry wolf where there is none. Dipe challenges the ADC to identify the specific individuals responsible for the alleged attacks, rather than making generalized accusations against the APC.
The divergent narratives presented by the ADC and APC highlight the deepening political polarization in Ekiti State. The ADC’s portrayal of the APC as a violent, power-hungry entity stands in stark contrast to the APC’s depiction of itself as a peaceful, established party committed to the state’s security and development. The clashing narratives raise concerns about the potential for further escalation of political tensions as the 2026 elections draw nearer.
The accusations of violence and intimidation underscore the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all political parties in Ekiti State. A peaceful and democratic electoral process requires that all parties be allowed to freely express their views and engage with the electorate without fear of intimidation or violence. The allegations raised by the ADC, whether substantiated or not, warrant thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to ensure accountability and prevent any further escalation of political tensions. The future of Ekiti State hinges on the ability of all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and promote peaceful coexistence, even amidst political competition.
