Ekiti elders caution gov aspirants against smear campaign
The Ekiti Council of Elders has cautioned politicians and governorship aspirants in the state to steer clear of smear campaigns and divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2026 governorship election, urging them instead to focus on programmes that can foster growth and development.
In a statement issued on Monday in Ado Ekiti and jointly signed by the council’s President, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi; Public Relations Officer, Dr. Bayo Orire; and General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, the body expressed concern over the rising political tension and what it described as “heating up of the polity” by aspirants and stakeholders.
The council noted that while constructive criticism was an essential tool for accountability, attacks motivated by personal ambition or self-interest were detrimental to the state.
“While the council believes that criticism is pivotal to putting any government on its toes, it cautions against self-serving criticisms that do society or anybody for that matter no good,” the elders said.
They urged all those seeking to govern the state “to focus their energy, thoughts and deeds on issues of growth and development rather than on smearing characters.”
The senior citizens also commended the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for sustaining peace, strengthening security, and undertaking infrastructural development, stressing that all Ekiti people should cooperate with the government to prevent actions capable of derailing the state’s progress.
Turning to national issues, the council reiterated its strong support for the establishment of state police, describing it as consistent with global best practices in federations where local authorities play a key role in security.
Although it acknowledged widespread fears of potential abuse, the elders maintained that such risks could be addressed through “good faith and thorough in-depth pre-operational deliberations involving the inputs of all critical stakeholders across the country.”
The body also hailed the decision of the Bola Tinubu administration to institute a Forest Guard system as part of measures to tackle insecurity, particularly in rural areas.
According to the elders, the arrangement, which allows states to play a central role in forest protection, was a “novel and timely intervention” that should be embraced by all states for the safety of law-abiding citizens.
“We are delighted that the Federal Government is effectively involving the states as critical stakeholders, right from the inception of that security system. All states are urged to enthusiastically seize this opportunity in the best interest of their people,” the statement added.
The council therefore appealed to politicians and citizens alike to prioritise peace, constructive engagement, and the common good as the 2026 governorship election draws nearer.
