Ekiti Govt Denies Role in Aspirant’s Alleged Abduction Drama
Ado EKITI, Nigeria| July 23, 2026 - In a swift and emphatic response to swirling media reports, the Ekiti State Government has categorically distanced itself from the alleged abduction or arrest of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former governorship aspirant, Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, issued a public disclaimer today, July 23, 2026, urging citizens and the media to disregard any narratives linking the government to the incident.
Mrs. Olawunmi, a vocal APC member and aspirant for the party’s 2026 Ekiti governorship ticket, has been at the center of intra-party disputes for months.
She challenged her disqualification from the primaries through multiple court actions, including a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/222/25) and subsequent appeals to the Court of Appeal.
Her legal battles involved high-stakes claims against the APC, INEC, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, alleging irregularities in the nomination process.
While some applications were dismissed on technical grounds, her persistence highlighted ongoing tensions within the ruling party in Ekiti State.
Recent reports indicate that Olawunmi was allegedly accosted or taken by unidentified individuals shortly after leaving a court session in Abuja related to her ongoing appeal.
Social media and some outlets quickly circulated claims of abduction, with fingers pointed toward political opponents or state actors.
In the official disclaimer, the Ekiti State Government stated:
“The Ekiti State Government categorically denies any involvement in the alleged abduction or Police arrest or detention of Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, stating clearly that the state had no hand in the matter. The Ekiti State Government did not order or know anything about Police action regarding Mrs. Olawumi.”
The statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to the rule of law under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s democratic dispensation.
It further clarified that law enforcement agencies operate independently without direct control from the state government, a point often debated in Nigeria’s federal system where police fall under federal authority.
Apata urged restraint: “We advise the public and the media to ignore false stories linking the Ekiti State Government to this arrest.”
This development unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political sensitivities in Ekiti State ahead of future electoral cycles.
Olawunmi’s case exemplifies the fractious nature of party primaries in Nigeria, where disqualification disputes frequently spill into the courts, sometimes escalating into personal security concerns.
Key nuances to consider:
- Police Independence: Nigeria’s police are federally controlled, making direct state government orchestration of arrests legally improbable without federal collusion—yet public perception often blurs these lines amid political rivalries. -Timing: The incident coincides with the resolution phase of her legal challenges, potentially amplifying conspiracy theories.
- Rule of Law Rhetoric: The government’s prompt disclaimer reinforces its image as a defender of democratic norms, especially important given Governor Oyebanji’s development-focused administration, which has prioritized infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment.
- Edge Cases: If independent police action is confirmed, it could point to separate criminal or civil matters unrelated to politics. Conversely, unverified abduction claims raise legitimate questions about citizen safety and political intimidation.
Veteran observers note that such disclaimers are common in Nigerian politics to manage narratives, but their effectiveness depends on transparent investigations by relevant authorities.
Calls for an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding Olawunmi’s situation are likely to grow.
Mrs. Olawunmi, often described as a resilient “rescue and restoration” advocate for Ekiti, has positioned herself as a voice for transparency and inclusion.
Her supporters view her as a trailblazer challenging entrenched interests, while critics see her actions as disruptive.
Regardless, the alleged incident underscores the personal risks faced by women in Nigeria’s rough-and-tumble political arena.
As this story develops, the focus remains on ensuring her safety and upholding due process—principles the Ekiti government insists it holds dear.
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