The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has expressed serious concerns over what it describes as escalating political tension ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The party warns that the situation could degenerate into a full-scale political crisis if urgent measures are not taken.
Speaking during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, alleged that members of the party are being harassed and intimidated, creating fear and uncertainty among opposition supporters. He claimed the environment is no longer conducive for peaceful political engagement.
Ogunsakin noted that the build-up to the election is marked by actions capable of undermining public confidence in the democratic process. He said opposition members have become increasingly apprehensive over what he described as a pattern of political tension and intimidation, warning that such a climate could destabilize the state if not addressed.
According to him, Ekiti's reputation as a peaceful and politically sophisticated state must not be allowed to deteriorate due to rising political intolerance and provocative political activities ahead of the election.
“We are no longer dealing with routine political competition. What is happening now, if not urgently checked, has the capacity to snowball into a serious political crisis in Ekiti State,” he said.
Ogunsakin called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the political atmosphere does not deteriorate further. He argued that early attention from national leadership is necessary to prevent escalation, stressing that the stability of Ekiti State is too important to be compromised by political tensions.
“The situation requires urgent attention. If nothing is done, it could affect peace, trust and confidence in the electoral process,” he added.
The PDP chieftain also urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, warning that perceived partisanship could worsen public distrust and heighten political suspicion. He maintained that democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to participate without fear or intimidation.
Ogunsakin further warned that continued escalation of political tension could have wider implications for governance and the credibility of the 2026 governorship election. The party called on political actors, security institutions and democratic stakeholders to urgently de-escalate the situation and preserve the state's political stability.
He reaffirmed the PDP's commitment to peaceful democratic engagement but insisted that silence in the face of rising tension would be dangerous for the future of democracy in Ekiti State.
Reacting to the allegations, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, dismissed them as untrue. He said Governor Biodun Oyebanji is not involved in the arrest of people and that the PDP should channel their allegations to security agencies.
Olatunbosun described the allegations as laughable and urged the PDP to stop trying to gain undue recognition. “People who violate the law, the security agencies are there to do their job. They should adhere to strict rule of law and stop trying to gain attention. They should stop parading thugs as their members.”
He added that the Governor is a peace-loving person with character in leadership and intelligence in the governance of the state.
