The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has said he is not afraid of any competition ahead of the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.
Oyebanji made this statement on Monday in Ado-Ekiti shortly after his endorsement for a second term by the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti Central Senatorial District.
He described the endorsement as a historic moment, stating that it would not have been possible without the support of party leaders.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the availability of resources to all states, which has enabled his administration to execute commendable projects in Ekiti.
His words, “We are grateful for this honor; we are touched by this endorsement. I don’t know what to say other than to bless you from the bottom of my heart.
“What is happening today is historic. I thank the party leaders for giving us this platform, and I also thank President Tinubu because, without his support, these achievements would not have been possible.
“It is his reforms that have made resources available to the state for us to utilize. I also appreciate the National Assembly, especially the Senate Leader, for being a partner in progress.
“There is no community in the state without ongoing projects. We have heard you, we accept this endorsement with all humility, and we promise to continue serving.
We are not afraid of competition; whoever wants to run should come forward and do so. This endorsement does not exclude anyone interested in contesting under our party’s platform.”
The leaders backed Oyebanji due to his remarkable achievements in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and transportation, among others.
Supporters, in large numbers, gathered at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti from the five local government areas under the district, including Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ekiti West, Ijero, and Efon.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Ekiti Central Elders’ Forum of the APC, Professor Modupe Adelabu, stated that the purpose of the gathering was to celebrate the achievements of Biodun Oyebanji and endorse him for a second term.
The former Deputy Governor of the state noted that Oyebanji had delivered numerous projects for the betterment of Ekiti residents, making him worthy of governing the state for a second term.
The reason we are here is to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dear governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his administration.
“We are also here to appreciate all the good works that our governor has done. We are different in this district, and when the time comes, we will show our support.
“We implore Oyebanji to continue his good works and not to relent.”
On his part, the Senate Leader and lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the endorsement was a formal affirmation of prior discussions held behind closed doors, without the governor’s consent.
He highlighted Oyebanji’s greatest achievement as his ability to reunite past leaders without leaving any stone unturned.
Bamidele noted that this feat had been difficult for any political leader to accomplish, given the political antecedent of Ekiti.
“We decided to do this publicly to reaffirm what we had discussed privately. We appreciate the importance of continuity for sustainable development.
“Ekiti State has never had it this good. For anyone to recognize what we are doing, it is important to understand the context of this meeting.
“If it is about delegates, these are the people who will decide. They are here to make a statement—to support Oyebanji for a second term.
“All the progress and achievements witnessed under previous leaders are being consolidated under Oyebanji’s administration.
The most significant achievement of Oyebanji’s administration is its ability to unite everyone under one platform.
“Anyone who understands the politics of Ekiti State will recognize the impact of the ‘BAO unity magic’—that is his greatest achievement.
“We are here to celebrate him as a senatorial district, and we are also here to acknowledge his accomplishments in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.”
Also present at the event were: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatubosun; former Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Babafemi Ojudu; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi; Ekiti APC Acting Chairman, Sola Eleshin; Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Jide Awe, among others.
