The campaign for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), received a major boost on Saturday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led thousands of women and party supporters in a show of solidarity for the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging voters to deliver a resounding victory for the governor in the June 20 governorship election.
Speaking at the flag-off of the APC Women Campaign Rally during her one-day working visit to Ekiti State, Senator Tinubu called on women, youths, and all eligible voters to vote massively for Governor Oyebanji, describing him as a performing leader whose developmental strides deserve continuity through a second term in office.
The First Lady said the APC administration in Ekiti State had demonstrated commitment to good governance and people-oriented programmes, stressing that re-electing Governor Oyebanji would guarantee the sustenance of ongoing developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of residents.
She also appealed to the people of the state to continue supporting the policies and programmes of the Federal Government, assuring them that the reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration were designed to place Nigeria on a stronger economic footing.
According to her, the removal of fuel subsidy has begun to yield positive outcomes, particularly through increased allocations to states, enabling them to undertake more developmental projects and improve service delivery.
Senator Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties being experienced by many Nigerians but assured citizens that the administration remains focused on delivering lasting solutions and improving the welfare of the people.
As part of her intervention to support grassroots economic empowerment, the First Lady announced a grant of N100 million for 2,000 petty traders in Ekiti State to strengthen their businesses and enhance their economic activities.
Earlier, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed appreciation to women across the state for their steadfast support for his administration, describing them as critical stakeholders in the progress recorded by his government.
The governor pledged to consolidate on existing achievements if re-elected and assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of the people.
Governor Oyebanji also promised that Ekiti State would stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support his re-election in the next presidential election.
In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, assured residents that they would continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy through sustained investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare programmes.
She urged the people to support the governor’s re-election bid to ensure continuity of the administration’s developmental agenda.
Also speaking at the rally, the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Idele, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, canvassed overwhelming support for Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu, describing both leaders as committed to the growth and development of the country.
Beyond the political engagements, Senator Tinubu commissioned an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, a facility designed to improve students’ access to Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities and digital learning opportunities.
The First Lady also held a meeting with traditional rulers across the state, where she called for continued peaceful coexistence between communities and governments at all levels as a prerequisite for sustainable development.
The event drew prominent political figures and dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; wives of several state governors; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; wife of former Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; party leaders, government officials, and supporters from across the state.
The rally marked a significant milestone in the APC’s campaign efforts, with party leaders expressing confidence that the massive turnout and growing support across the state would translate into victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the polls.
