Emmanuel Fayose Declares War on Biodun Oyebanji, Vows to Take Ekiti in 2026

The political temperature in Ekiti State is beginning to boil — and the fire has just been stoked by none other than Emmanuel Fayose, a bold Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant and son of the state's political soil.

In a defiant move that has sent shockwaves through both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and political watchers across the Southwest, Fayose has thrown down the gauntlet.

His mission is clear, his tone is unflinching: Governor Biodun Oyebanji must be unseated come 2026.

Speaking with the confidence of a man who knows the terrain well — perhaps too well — Emmanuel, the younger brother of former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, didn't just criticize Oyebanji’s administration. He dismantled it.

In a blistering critique that is already making waves on social media and within party corridors, Fayose described the current APC-led government as “rudderless,” accusing Oyebanji of failing to deliver on the promises that gave him the keys to the Ekiti State Government House in 2022.

According to Fayose, the people of Ekiti are not just hungry — they are tired. Tired of poor infrastructure, tired of inconsistent salaries, and tired of a government he claims is out of touch with the grassroots.

“There is no presence of governance,” he declared to a crowd of supporters, some of whom chanted his brother's nickname, ‘Oshoko’, like a badge of political rebellion. “What we have is a ghost government, and 2026 will be the year the people take back their state.”

The statement, daring and fiery, was a direct shot at Governor Oyebanji, who has often been regarded as a quiet technocrat — efficient but far from the theatrics of Ekiti’s more flamboyant past leaders.

But Fayose believes Oyebanji’s calm demeanor masks what he calls a “disconnect” from the true pains of the people.

He questioned how a government that came into power promising reform and grassroots development could preside over what he described as "administrative stagnation and worsening poverty."

Observers were quick to note that this isn’t just an opposition rant. This is the opening salvo of what promises to be an explosive 2026 governorship battle — one that might mirror the chaos, drama, and tension of previous Ekiti elections. But this time, with a new generation of political energy and a name that still commands weight in the southwest.

Fayose’s declaration also rekindles a legacy that has loomed large over Ekiti politics. His elder brother, Ayodele Fayose, served two separate terms as governor and was known for his populist style, aggressive opposition to the ruling party at the center, and a streetwise political strategy that endeared him to the common man. Now, Emmanuel is preparing to step into those shoes — but not without carving his own path. He insists he is not his brother’s shadow, even though he wears the name with pride.

Meanwhile, the APC camp has remained mostly silent — for now. Political analysts suggest the silence may be strategic.

Oyebanji, who came into power with the backing of former Governor Kayode Fayemi and the powerful APC structure in the region, may be waiting to respond with policies rather than press statements. Still, the tension is building. And in Ekiti, silence often precedes a storm.

The PDP, revitalized by Fayose’s declaration, sees 2026 as a chance at redemption.

After losing the last election in a contest that was marred by defections, internal disunity, and poor grassroots mobilization, the party now believes it has a shot — especially with a candidate that blends name recognition, local relevance, and youthful ambition. Already, talks are underway to unify the different PDP factions ahead of the primaries.

Emmanuel Fayose insists he’s not just banking on his name. He claims to have “a vision that speaks to the everyday Ekiti citizen — the market woman, the teacher, the artisan, the student, and the unemployed graduate.” According to him, 2026 will not be about slogans but about “saving Ekiti from a government that has lost the plot.”

As the countdown to the 2026 gubernatorial election quietly begins, one thing is becoming clear: Ekiti is on the verge of another political earthquake. And Emmanuel Fayose, armed with a name, a plan, and a fearless tongue, has just set the first tremor in motion.

Stay with Busterblog.com as we follow this brewing storm — one headline at a time.