A public affairs analyst, Godwin Omini, said the outcome of the Ekiti 2026 governorship election sends a dangerous signal ahead of 2027 elections.

He disclosed in a statement on Monday, noting that Saturday’s election in Ekiti exposed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s alleged partiality.

Recall that on Sunday, INEC had declared Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’s Oyebanji won the polls ahead of the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress.

Reacting, Omini said Ekiti State has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of INEC.

“These developments raise profound questions about the Commission’s ability to serve as an impartial umpire in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“Indications emerged that INEC officials allegedly colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by facilitating the transfer of approximately 400,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ruling party.

“These cards were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.

“This alleged collaboration points to a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system,” he stated.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is the only opposition party challenging the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Wike made the remark while congratulating President Bola Tinubu on the APC’s victory in Saturday’s bye-elections across Nigeria.

He spoke during the commissioning of the Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town as part of projects marking Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

According to Wike, the PDP remains the leading opposition party in Nigeria.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate your party for winning Saturday’s bye-elections and also congratulate my party for maintaining its position as the opposition.

“In every political setting, there must be winners and an opposition. Today, we have seen the ruling party and the opposition party.

“The opposition is not about talking but about challenging the ruling party, and we are the only party challenging the ruling party. Therefore, we are the leading opposition party.”

Mr Sola Ajimati, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara South senatorial aspirant, has decried the alleged exclusion of the party’s critical stakeholders in Kwara from decision-making processes.

Ajimati raised the concern in a letter addressed to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday in Abuja, saying there was a need to address the situation.

“I write with profound respect and sincere appreciation for your leadership, vision, and continued service to Kwara and our great party, the APC.

“Your stewardship over the years has contributed meaningfully to the development trajectory of our dear state, and for this, you deserve commendation.

“As our great party looks ahead to future electoral cycles, including governorship and national elections, and in the wake of the emergence of Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as the APC governorship candidate, there is increasing concern among stakeholders regarding perceived exclusion from critical party decision-making processes,” he said.

Ajimati acknowledged the strides recorded under AbdulRazaq’s leadership, saying it would require deeper unity, broader inclusion, and more deliberate consultation with all stakeholders across the party structure to sustain and build upon the gains.

He added that the decisions taken at this stage would not only shape the immediate future of the Kwara APC but would also significantly define the enduring legacy of the governor’s administration.

He said it would also help in building the long-term stability of the APC in the state, adding that recent political developments across Nigeria provided valuable lessons worth reflecting upon.

Citing recent political developments in Ekiti, Osun, and Lagos states, Ajimati said inclusion, dialogue, and consensus-building were key to long-term electoral success and party stability.

“The re-election of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State stands as a strong testament to the power of unity, inclusion, consultation, and sustained stakeholder engagement.

“His leadership approach, characterised by continuous dialogue with former governors, party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youth groups, and even dissenting voices, transformed political diversity into a source of strength and stability.

“In contrast, the experience of Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola, former governor of Osun State, highlights the risks associated with unresolved internal disagreements, perceived exclusion, and insufficient stakeholder engagement.

“The consequences of internal fragmentation remain instructive for any political system seeking long-term stability and electoral success.

“The lesson is therefore clear: enduring political success is anchored on consultation, inclusion, and consensus-building,” Ajimati said, recalling that the experience of Akinwunmi Ambode, a former Lagos State governor, offers another important lesson.

He noted that despite being an incumbent governor, unresolved internal grievances and widening stakeholder dissatisfaction within party structures ultimately led to significant opposition ahead of the 2019 Lagos State governorship election.

“This development underscores the necessity of proactive reconciliation, continuous engagement, and inclusive leadership in managing internal party affairs.”

He appealed to the governor to convene a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting and set up an independent reconciliation committee to address grievances and rebuild trust within the party in Kwara.

He said the call had become more urgent in view of emerging security concerns in parts of the state, which require collective responsibility, unity of purpose, and coordinated leadership beyond partisan or factional considerations.

Ajimati said that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to consolidating the achievements of the APC nationwide.

He said Kwara, as a key political stronghold of the APC, must embody stability, inclusiveness, and strong internal cohesion.

“This is a defining moment for our party in Kwara. With timely intervention, inclusive leadership, and sincere engagement, the APC can emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned for enduring electoral success,” he said.

Ajimati also called on the APC national leadership to investigate concerns raised over alleged irregularities in the Kwara South Senatorial Primary Election held on May 18, 2026.