Ekiti Govt Dismisses PDP Candidate’s ₦25m Media Manipulation Allegation

 By I

dowu Adebomi

The Ekiti State Government has dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, that it spent ₦25 million to influence a media outlet over the publication of the governorship election candidate list by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the claim as baseless and lacking credible evidence, insisting that the allegation was a political stunt aimed at attracting public attention.

Olatunbosun said the campaign organisation failed to identify the media outlet allegedly involved or provide any proof of the purported transaction, thereby weakening the credibility of the claim.

According to him, it would be illogical for the state government to spend public funds on media manipulation when official information about electoral matters is readily available through government channels and INEC platforms.

The commissioner noted that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to transparency, accountability and responsible governance, stressing that the government had no reason to engage in propaganda.

He highlighted several achievements of the current administration, including the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, as well as investments in education, healthcare, youth empowerment and security.

Olatunbosun also cited independent assessments which, he said, ranked Ekiti among the leading states in fiscal transparency and public finance management.

He said the state recorded a perfect 39 out of 39 score for fiscal transparency in the fourth quarter of 2025 and was rated a “Progressive Performer” with a score of 100 out of 100 in the fourth quarter of 2024.

He added that Ekiti also emerged first in grassroots transparency by publishing budgets of local government areas and local council development areas, and topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index.

According to the commissioner, the progress recorded by the state is a result of reforms such as the digitalisation of government processes, regular town hall engagements with citizens and the publication of audited financial statements.

He urged political actors in the state to focus on fact-based engagement and constructive contributions rather than making sensational claims.

“The people of Ekiti are discerning and will continue to support leadership that demonstrates competence, integrity and transparency,” Olatunbosun said.

He reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Oyebanji would continue to govern inclusively and maintain a fair approach to all residents of the state regardless of political affiliation.