By Law Ibitoye
As Ekiti State moves closer to the 2026 governorship election, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration is increasingly coming under public scrutiny. His tenure has been marked by visible policy direction, people-focused programmes and ambitious infrastructure plans, but also by criticisms bordering on governance style, party management and public accountability. As voters prepare to judge his stewardship through election, a balanced assessment of both achievements and shortcomings become very essential.
Governor Oyebanji came into office with a clearly defined six-point development agenda in October 16, 2022, anchored on Youth Development and Job Creation; Human Capital Development; Agriculture and Rural Development; Infrastructure and Industrialisation; Arts, Culture and Tourism; and Good Governance. By many accounts, this policy framework has shaped the direction of governance in Ekiti State.
In the area of youth development and job creation, the administration has rolled out vocational training schemes and entrepreneurship support programmes to equip young people with skills, reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance. While the long-term impact is still evolving, beneficiaries acknowledge improved access to training and start-up support.
Human capital development has also received attention, particularly in education and healthcare. The government has invested in smart school initiatives, awarded scholarships to students, and embarked on revitalisation of the primary healthcare centres, complemented by mobile health services in rural communities. These efforts have contributed to improved service delivery, especially at the grassroots level, though challenges of staffing, funding and sustainability persist.
In agriculture and rural development, Oyebanji’s administration has sought to reposition the sector through farm settlements, value-chain support and the attraction of agribusiness investments. The focus on food security and rural economic growth aligns with Ekiti’s agrarian strengths, although the impact has yet to significantly reduce food prices and poverty.
Infrastructure development remains one of the most visible aspects of the administration. Projects such as the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Omisanjana- Ajebamidele road the ongoing overhead bridge from First Bank to Fayose Market, and the completion drive for the Ekiti Cargo Airport signal a commitment to improving connectivity and boosting commerce among others. Supporters view these as long-term investments that will redefine the state’s economic landscape.
The administration has also identified arts, culture and tourism as potential growth areas, seeking to leverage Ekiti’s rich heritage to attract visitors and foster cultural pride. Meanwhile, under the banner of good governance, the government has repeatedly pledged transparency, accountability and participatory leadership.
Despite aforementioned efforts, the Oyebanji administration has not been without controversy. As election season approaches, criticisms from opposition parties, civil society voices, concerned citizens and even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have grown louder.
Oyebanjii’s administration has been indicted for financial mismanagement and value for money. Critics claim that despite humongous federal allocations and internally-generated revenue in three years—the level of visible development does not fully reflect the scale of spending. They argue that sectors such as infrastructure, education and food security have not experienced commensurate transformation.
However, the government and its supporters have strongly denied any mismanagement, pointing to the ongoing projects and social interventions, but the allegation has raised questions about transparency, accountability and public communication.
There are also reported internal party imbroglio within the APC. Some party members alleged marginalisation of grassroots loyalists and accuse the governor of appointing individuals perceived as outsiders to key positions while some members who worked hard for his emergence were not reckon with, others claim that dissent within the party is discouraged through political pressure. While such allegations remain contested, internal disunity poses a risk to party cohesion and effective governance.
Another recurring criticism is the perceived disconnect between government and ordinary citizens. Some residents argue that while large infrastructure projects receive attention, everyday issues such as urban sanitation, local accessibility and community engagement are not adequately addressed. There are also complaints about decision-making being overly centralised, while grassroots consultation is glossed over.
Budgetary constraints further complicate governance. Even supporters of the administration acknowledge the difficulty of balancing limited resources against rising public expectations. competing demands in education, health, infrastructure and social welfare often result in unmet expectations, fuelling public frustration.
Finally, the political climate has been intensified by social media campaigns and political attacks, some of which the government dismisses as opposition-driven. Nevertheless, these narratives shape public perception and underscore the need for proactive engagement and transparent governance.
As Governor Oyebanji seeks re-election in June 20, 2026, the contest will likely hinge on how convincingly he can consolidate his achievements while addressing legitimate concerns. His administration’s strengths lie in policy clarity, infrastructural ambition and a generally calm leadership style. However, improving transparency, strengthening party unity, deepening citizen engagement and recording more tangible grassroots impact will be crucial to sustaining public trust.
No administration is perfect, and governance is ultimately judged not only by intentions but by outcomes and inclusiveness. As Ekiti voters weigh their options, the 2026 election presents both a verdict on the past and a choice about the future. For Oyebanji, it is an opportunity to reaffirm his social contract with the people—by proving development that can be both ambitious, accountable, and governance that can truly reflect the will and welfare of the masses while the exclusion of the People’s Democratic party candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede’s name by the Independent National Electoral Commission apart from the fact that the exclusion is making him more popular daily, it may be a blessing in disguise if Oyebanji fails to urgently settle internal crisis in his party. As for African Democratic
Party’s candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide whose belief is that Oyebanji’s name will not be at the ballot due to APC’s overzealousness may likely go the way of ‘BISI KAY’ because the party seems not too serious about the contest.
Time will tell as Ekiti 2026 beckons