Political tension is mounting within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the removal of campaign banners belonging to governorship aspirant Hon. Abayomi Hunye in Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta.
The banners, which reportedly displayed photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Hunye, were removed on Monday, September 7, 2026. One of the affected banners, located along Folagbade Road in Ijebu-Ode, carried the message: “Hon. Abayomi Hunye Is Still in the Race.”
Hunye's campaign organisation has questioned the circumstances surrounding the removal, alleging possible selective enforcement and political intolerance. According to the campaign, the banners were intended to inform the public that the dispute over the APC governorship ticket remains before the courts.
The campaign has challenged the Ogun State Government and the Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency (OGSAA) to explain what specific regulations the banners allegedly violated. It also wants clarification on whether the campaign was issued a violation notice, whether permits were required or obtained, and whether similar regulations have been applied to campaign materials belonging to other aspirants.
The campaign alleged that OGSAA officials removed the banners under the direction of its General Manager, Hon. Fola Onifade, acting on instructions from the state government. It, however, acknowledged the government's authority to regulate outdoor advertising, while insisting that such powers should be exercised fairly and without political bias.
The development has raised concerns within the Hunye camp over whether state regulatory agencies could be used to influence the political contest ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. The campaign has consequently called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to investigate the matter and assure the public that regulatory institutions are not being selectively deployed against political opponents.
Hunye's supporters have also been urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the campaign continues to pursue its political ambitions through lawful and constitutional channels. The controversy has nevertheless put the Ogun State Government under pressure to demonstrate that the banner removal was strictly an enforcement action and not an attempt to suppress a political message.
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