Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday converged in Ado-Ekiti to officially flag off the re-election campaign of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The rally, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, drew a large crowd of party faithful, leaders, and supporters in a show of strength and unity within the ruling party.
Among those present were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Monday Okpebholo, Ahmed Ododo, Umar Bago, and Sheriff Oborevwori.
Also in attendance was the chairman of the campaign council and governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, as well as the APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the party’s National Working Committee.
Security was visibly heightened at the venue, with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to ensure orderliness throughout the event.
Addressing the crowd, Uzodinma described Oyebanji’s administration as impactful and deserving of continuity, urging voters to support the governor and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, at the polls.
He noted that the turnout at the rally reflected widespread acceptance of the administration’s leadership and achievements.
According to him, Ekiti State has witnessed increased unity and political stability under Oyebanji, attributing the development to inclusive governance.
He stressed that sustaining ongoing progress requires continuity, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in the forthcoming election.
Similarly, Uba Sani said the presence of APC governors from across the country underscored the party’s determination to retain Ekiti State.
He highlighted Oyebanji’s performance in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social development as justification for a second term.
The Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, also commended the governor’s leadership style, describing it as purposeful and inclusive, while calling on voters to reward performance.
In his remarks, the APC national chairman described the rally as evidence of party cohesion and organisational strength, reaffirming the party’s commitment to supporting Oyebanji’s re-election.
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi praised Oyebanji’s achievements over the past three and a half years, noting that his endorsement in 2022 had been justified.
He, however, urged party members to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the election.
In a notable development, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), openly declared his support for Oyebanji, citing the need to prioritise the state’s development over partisan interests.
Fayose clarified that while he remains in the PDP, his support reflects a collective commitment by former governors to the Ekiti agenda.
Responding, Oyebanji expressed appreciation for the widespread support, pledging to build on his administration’s achievements if re-elected.
He credited many of his administration’s successes to the backing of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in infrastructure development.
The governor highlighted key projects, including the completion of the Ado-Akure Road and ongoing construction works on the Ado-Ijan-Ikare and Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado roads.
He also disclosed that approval had been granted for the reconstruction of the Aramoko-Ijero-Ido-Ifaki-Ikole Road.
Oyebanji maintained that his administration has fulfilled its social contract with the people and assured residents of continued focus on development and improved service delivery if granted another mandate.
The event was attended by several party stalwarts, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, former governors Segun Oni and Niyi Adebayo, and other prominent political figures across the state.
