Ekiti Governor, PDP Clash Over Political Appointments: Oyebanji Defends Actions, PDP Criticizes ‘Wasteful’ Spending

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged in a heated dispute over the recent political appointments made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The PDP has accused Governor Oyebanji of wasting the state’s resources on political appointments for his party members, while the governor defended his actions, emphasizing the importance of these appointments for the welfare and security of the state’s citizens.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration announced the appointment of over 110 Special Assistants (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and Technical Advisors (TAs) in April 2024.

This move follows an earlier appointment in November 2023, when the governor appointed no fewer than 162 aides, including 79 SSAs, 73 SAs, and 10 TAs.

The PDP has criticized the governor for turning the state into a “poverty alleviation center” for his party members, claiming that the appointments are an attempt to syphon the state treasury for his second term ambitions.

The PDP has also accused Governor Oyebanji of abandoning governance for politicking, citing the state’s current economic hardship and unprecedented security challenges as evidence of the APC-led government’s failure.

The governor, however, has defended his administration’s actions, stating that the appointments are in line with the government’s constitutional mandate to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

Governor Oyebanji, through the BAO Media Centre, has emphasized his commitment to empowering Ekiti residents and improving their standard of living.

He has called for constructive dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders, including the PDP, to work towards the continued progress and development of the state.

This disagreement over political appointments highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP in Ekiti State.

As the state grapples with economic and security challenges, the debate over the effectiveness and necessity of these appointments is likely to persist.