President Bola Tinubu has called on Ekiti State voters to return Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, describing him as a leader whose performance has earned the trust and support of the people.
The president made the appeal on Tuesday during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Ekiti State ahead of Saturday’s election. Tinubu was represented at the rally by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Addressing party supporters, Tinubu said Oyebanji had proven his readiness for leadership through policies and projects that directly impacted residents across the state. He praised the governor’s approach to governance, noting that his administration had remained focused on the welfare of farmers, traders, students and other segments of society.
According to the president, Oyebanji’s humility, patience and ability to maintain cordial relationships with political leaders and traditional rulers have contributed significantly to the state’s progress.
Tinubu recalled his recent visit to Ekiti, where he commissioned projects executed by the administration, including what he described as one of the longest flyovers in the country.
He said the projects reflected the governor’s commitment to development and service delivery.
The president also highlighted Oyebanji’s relationship with former governors and political stakeholders, describing it as evidence of inclusive leadership.
He urged residents to turn out in large numbers on election day and renew the governor’s mandate.
As part of the campaign event, Tinubu formally presented Oyebanji to former governors and former first ladies from the state, charging them to work towards securing victory for the governor in Saturday’s poll.
The rally attracted prominent APC leaders from across the country, including 18 governors, 24 senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Among those present were Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; and governors from several APC-controlled states.
Speaking at the rally, Akpabio described Oyebanji as a peaceful and people-oriented governor whose achievements had been felt across the state.
He urged voters to support the governor’s re-election bid and remain committed to the APC.
Similarly, Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani, expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the election.
He commended Oyebanji’s record in education, infrastructure development, transportation, workers’ welfare and human capital development, urging voters to increase their support for the governor.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the APC Governors’ Forum, said the presence of APC governors at the rally demonstrated the party’s solidarity with Oyebanji.
He added that the governor’s popularity across the state reflected widespread acceptance of his leadership.
APC National Chairman Yilwatda also praised Oyebanji’s achievements, citing road construction, scholarship programmes and healthcare projects as evidence of effective governance.
He expressed confidence that the governor’s performance would translate into electoral victory.
Responding to the endorsements, Oyebanji thanked party leaders and supporters for their confidence in his administration.
Standing alongside his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, and Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, the governor said his campaign was anchored on the promises he made to Ekiti people during the 2022 election.
He urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully during the election and expressed confidence that his administration’s record would earn him another term in office.
Oyebanji also pledged that a second term would deliver even greater development and improvements across the state.
Adding another dimension to the endorsements, former Ekiti State governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party leader, Ayodele Fayose, reiterated his support for Oyebanji.
Fayose attributed his backing to the governor’s ability to unite political leaders and foster harmony across party lines.
He encouraged Oyebanji to remain magnanimous and continue promoting unity among Ekiti stakeholders, expressing confidence that the governor could make history by securing consecutive re-election victories in the state.
