By Law Ibitoye
Ado Ekiti witnessed a massive political gathering on Monday as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the country converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion for the official flag-off of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election campaign ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The pavilion was filled to capacity with party members and supporters drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state, alongside market women, artisans, farmers, commercial drivers, motorcycle riders, tricycle operators, civil servants and other residents who came out in solidarity with the governor.
Chairman of the state campaign council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, praised Oyebanji’s performance in office, describing him as a humble and unifying leader whose administration had brought peace and accelerated development across the state.
He urged party supporters to convert the large turnout at the rally into votes, expressing confidence that the APC would achieve its projected 500,000 votes in the election.
Other party leaders, including APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; National Vice Chairman (South West), Barrister Isaac Kekemeke; and Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, also commended Oyebanji’s leadership style and developmental strides, calling on residents to reward him with another term in office.
Former Governor Kayode Fayemi said Oyebanji had justified the confidence reposed in him when he emerged as APC candidate in 2022, noting that many party members who once doubted him were now among the strongest supporters of his re-election because of his performance.
Former governors Segun Oni and Niyi Adebayo also endorsed the governor’s second term bid.
In a dramatic moment, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicly declared support for Oyebanji, saying his endorsement was based on the “Ekiti agenda” and the need to sustain progress in the state. Fayose, however, clarified that he remained a PDP member and would return to his opposition role after the election.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, assured Ekiti residents that all APC governors were united in support of Oyebanji’s re-election, urging voters to back him massively.
Representing members of the National Assembly from the state, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described Oyebanji as a bridge builder whose humility and inclusive leadership had attracted support across political, religious and ethnic divides.
Bamidele said the APC campaign would focus on issues, achievements and fresh promises for another four-year term, adding that the governor would consolidate on his record if re-elected.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji thanked party leaders and residents for their support, saying his administration had fulfilled most of its campaign promises within three and a half years in office.
He attributed the achievements of his government to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and appealed to voters to come out en masse on election day to secure victory for the APC.
Among dignitaries present at the rally were Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Senator Ayo Arise, members of the National Assembly from Ekiti, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
