President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Ekiti State voters to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Saturday’s governorship election, describing him as a leader who came into office fully prepared to deliver purposeful governance and tangible dividends of democracy.
The President made the appeal on Tuesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, in support of Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
The 12,000-capacity venue was filled to capacity as party faithful, supporters and political allies from different political backgrounds gathered to demonstrate solidarity with the governor ahead of the June 20 poll.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu commended Ekiti people for their steadfast support for the APC and described Oyebanji as a leader whose administration has remained focused on the welfare of the people.
According to the President, the governor has demonstrated through his policies and actions that leadership is about service, inclusiveness and improving the lives of citizens.
“Governor Oyebanji understands the nitty-gritty of leadership. He relates well with farmers, traders, students and the downtrodden. He leads with humility, patience and respect for leaders and traditional institutions.
“He came prepared for governance and has kept the machinery of government focused on the people. During my recent visit to Ekiti, I commissioned projects and saw one of the longest flyovers in the country, which is a testament to his performance,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised Oyebanji’s cordial relationship with former governors and political leaders across party lines, describing it as evidence of his inclusive style of governance.
In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu formally presented Oyebanji to former governors and former first ladies from the state, charging them to mobilise support and ensure victory for the APC candidate at the polls.
Speaking at the rally, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as a peaceful, humble and gender-friendly leader whose performance has earned him national recognition.
“Governor Oyebanji is trustworthy, a proven performer and a governor who values inclusiveness. Market women, students, traditional rulers and workers have all attested to his achievements. On Saturday, go out and vote for him,” Akpabio urged.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed confidence in Oyebanji’s re-election, saying the governor’s popularity across the state reflected his achievements in education, workers’ welfare, transportation, human capital development and infrastructure.
Similarly, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said the overwhelming support enjoyed by Oyebanji across Ekiti was a clear indication of his acceptance among the people.
“For the first time, we are seeing a flyover of over one kilometre in Ekiti. The governor has performed and deserves another term. The people should come out and vote massively for him,” Uzodimma said.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, also lauded the governor’s achievements, insisting that the party’s confidence of victory was rooted in Oyebanji’s performance and strong connection with the people.
“You have built roads, improved healthcare, awarded scholarships and delivered impactful projects. The people have seen your work and are ready to reward you with their votes,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji said he was relying on his record of performance and fulfillment of campaign promises rather than the influence of the ruling party at the federal level.
The governor appealed to residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election, assuring them that a second term would enable him to consolidate on the gains already recorded in office.
“I have remained faithful to the social contract I signed with Ekiti people in 2022. By the grace of God, my second term will be even more impactful than the last three and a half years,” Oyebanji said.
A notable highlight of the rally was the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji by former Ekiti State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Chief Ayodele Fayose. Fayose said his support for the governor was based on Oyebanji’s exceptional ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across partisan lines.
He urged the governor to remain magnanimous and continue fostering unity among Ekiti people, expressing confidence that Oyebanji would secure a historic re-election victory.
The rally attracted an array of political heavyweights, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Also present were former governors Niyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi, Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose; former First Lady Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake; Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi, among other party leaders and stakeholders.