A Dangerous Game of Falsehood in Ekiti Politics: The Evil Plot to Deceive the Presidency.

A Dangerous Game of Falsehood in Ekiti Politics: The Evil Plot to Deceive the Presidency.

By Idowu Ephraim Faleye

 

The political space in Nigeria has always been full of twists and turns, but when ambition becomes so blinding that it resorts to outright falsehood, then there’s a serious problem. In recent days, a disturbing report has been making the rounds—crafted as “Breaking News” and presented with such boldness that one might mistake it for credible journalism. The headline screams: “Fayemi Sets To Lead Ekiti Governor, Oyebanji, Speaker, Other Top Loyalists To ADC.”

At first glance, some may believe the report, especially given the way it names names and strategically attempts to sound like an exclusive leak. But when we look beyond the surface, when we weigh the facts against the fiction, and when we measure the motive behind such propaganda, it becomes clear that this is not news—it is a desperate fabrication by an aspirant seeking to destroy others in his own political party just to rise above them. And that’s not only shameful, it is dangerous.

The real aim of the lie is simple—to sow distrust by painting the sitting governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and his loyal team as traitors who are about to jump ship to an opposition party. The intent is to make people believe that Oyebanji and his group can no longer be trusted. And once that seed of doubt is sown, the liar hopes to be seen as the "loyal one," the better option, the safer alternative to hand power to.

But politics is not just about strategy—it is about character. It is about truth, integrity, and service. And this desperate tactic reveals a deep moral flaw in the aspirant behind the lie. If your only route to power is by dragging your fellow party members in the mud, spreading falsehoods to create division, and misleading people with fake news, then you have already failed the leadership test before the race even begins.

Let’s be clear: neither Governor Biodun Oyebanji nor any of the respected names mentioned in that report—Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Elder Samuel Abejide, Prof. Adio Folayan, Mr. Dapo Kolawole, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Mr. Seyi Ayeleso—has had any meeting or plan to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). There is absolutely no known contact between them and the newly formed political coalition mentioned in the article. These are seasoned political figures with deep-rooted commitments to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and they are working with the governor to build a stronger party in Ekiti and in Nigeria at large.

Governor Oyebanji, in particular, remains one of the most trusted and loyal leaders in the APC family. He has maintained that trust. Those who know him can attest to his unwavering loyalty and humility, even in the face of pressure. If anyone is looking for a governor who understands team spirit and fidelity to the cause of party-building, Oyebanji fits that role without question.

So why this lie? Why now? Because ambition has blinded some to decency. There is a growing pattern where some desperate individuals in politics, rather than work hard to earn credibility, choose instead to drag others down with falsehood. They manufacture stories and bribe online platforms, hoping that their deceit will bear fruit. But lies are fragile. They may fly for a while, but they always crash.

It is one thing to contest for office. It is another thing entirely to do so with dignity. If you claim to be a better alternative to a sitting governor, then come out openly with your ideas, your vision, your plans, your track record. Tell the people and the party what you intend to do differently. Don’t hide behind lies and backdoor manipulation. Don’t make up stories to discredit those who have sacrificed and served. That’s not how progress is built; that’s how trust is destroyed.

There is also a spiritual dimension to this. All religions condemn the act of bearing false witness. In Christianity, it is one of the Ten Commandments—"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." In Islam, slander is a grievous sin that draws divine punishment. Even traditional beliefs in our land frown upon false accusation, knowing that such acts can bring curses not only upon the individual but upon their lineage. Politics may be a game of numbers, but the heavens still judge character. And those who trade in lies will eventually be repaid in full.

Politically, this falsehood is not just a slap to Governor Oyebanji and his loyalists. It is an attack on the unity of the APC. Such propaganda, if allowed to grow, can create disaffection within the party, pit members against each other, and hand victory to the opposition on a platter of gold. Unity cannot be built on lies. And no party survives when its strongest assets are being secretly assassinated with words.

Let it be known: the individuals listed in that fabricated report are not defecting to any party. They are not holding meetings with ADC. They are not part of any anti-presidential coalition. They are not backstabbing anyone. Rather, they are standing firm with the APC, working day and night to ensure that the party remains strong in Ekiti and respected nationally. They are builders, not betrayers.

And the governor? He is focused on governance. He is delivering on his promises. He is not distracted by the noise. But even silence has a limit. There comes a time when those who know the truth must speak up—not to defend the guilty, but to protect the innocent. This is one of such times.

We must not allow darkness to cover the light. We must not let ambition kill truth. We must not remain silent while a man of peace and integrity is falsely accused by those who should be his allies. We must call out lies and the liars behind them—not just for the sake of politics, but for the sake of our future.

To party members, this is a time to close ranks. The house must not be divided by the selfishness of one individual who thinks destroying others is the only way to rise. Let’s stand by APC leaders. Let’s defend truth. Let’s protect the integrity of APC political family.

And to the aspirant behind the lies—pause and reflect. Is this really how you want to lead? If you lie to rise, how will you govern with truth? If you betray now, who will trust you later? Power gotten through deception never lasts. You may win a position, but history will not be kind to you.

As the dust settles on this unfortunate drama, may truth prevail. May the innocent be vindicated. And may our politics grow beyond lies, beyond propaganda, beyond selfish ambition. Nigeria deserves better. Ekiti deserves better. The APC deserves better. And we, the people, must insist on better.

Idowu Ephraim Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti +2348132100608.