Ekiti Committee Denies Governor Oyebanji’s Involvement in Tinubu’s Endorsements
Statewide Endorsement Committee Clarifies Position Amid Campaign Allegations
The President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji Statewide Endorsement Committee has firmly refuted claims that Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji is financially backing the wave of political endorsements for President Tinubu across the state. The committee maintains that these endorsements are voluntary expressions of support from the people.
Additionally, the group dismissed suggestions that these public displays of support constitute premature campaigning, which would violate election guidelines set by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
People-Driven Movement, Not Political Campaign
Committee Chairman and former Ekiti Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko addressed journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, explaining preparations for the upcoming statewide endorsement event scheduled for July 28, 2025. He characterized the movement as grassroots appreciation for both leaders’ achievements.
“President Tinubu remains a strong pillar of democratic stability and national development,” Aluko stated. “This program offers an opportunity for collective endorsement of his leadership. We equally celebrate Governor Oyebanji’s transformative governance—demonstrating exceptional focus and effectiveness within just three years.”
No Government Funds Used for Endorsements
Ekiti’s Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, emphasized that Governor Oyebanji has not contributed financially to these endorsement activities. “The governor understands that using resources would compromise the authenticity of these endorsements,” Olatunbosun explained.
He clarified: “Citizens are voluntarily advocating for his constitutional second term. We’re funding this initiative personally—not as a party activity, but as Ekiti residents. If this were an APC event, party officials would be present.”
Constitutional Rights vs. Campaign Regulations
When questioned about potential violations of INEC’s campaign regulations, Olatunbosun defended the endorsements as lawful expressions of civic engagement. “We’re exercising constitutional rights to free association and expression, not campaigning prematurely,” he asserted.
The committee maintains that these activities represent genuine public sentiment rather than organized political campaigning, setting the stage for an interesting dynamic as Nigeria’s election cycle approaches.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Guardian Nigeria