Oyebanji flags off campaign, promises continuity in Ekiti

…targets 500,000 votes

…former governors rally behind him
By Tolulope Eniola

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has flagged off his re-election campaign with a strong emphasis on continuity in governance, saying sustaining the current pace of development remains critical to the state’s progress.

Speaking at the palace of Ewi of Ado – Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Oyebanji formally commenced the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign ahead of the June 20, 2026 election.

He stressed that the achievements recorded since he assumed office in 2022 were largely driven by continuity, noting that his prior experience in government enabled him to build seamlessly on existing structures without delays.

According to him, unlike a new administration that would require time to understand governance systems, his government has accelerated development by consolidating on established frameworks.

The governor said a renewed mandate would guarantee further improvements in infrastructure, security and the welfare of residents across the state.

He cited ongoing and approved road projects in several communities as evidence of the gains of continuity, adding that contractors were already on site for some of the projects, while others would commence soon.

Oyebanji also highlighted interventions targeting students, vulnerable groups, and households facing economic hardship, insisting that every part of the state had benefited from his administration.

He assured residents that the campaign would be peaceful and issue-based, focusing on achievements and future plans rather than violence or political acrimony.

The governor urged party members and supporters to mobilise massively for the election, setting a target of 500,000 votes as a benchmark for victory.

“We were here three and a half years ago to sign a contract with you, and with the help of God and the support of the President, we have been able to implement most of the promises we made,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the people of Ekiti would endorse his administration based on its performance, assuring that the state remained safe and secure ahead of the polls.

APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Yilwatda, declared the governor “a winner already” and urged party members to mobilise voters across all communities.

Former governors of the state also threw their weight behind Oyebanji’s re-election bid, describing his administration as impactful and deserving of continuity.

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi said Oyebanji had justified the confidence reposed in him, noting that many initial critics had now become strong supporters.

He urged party members not to be complacent and called for a record-breaking victory at the polls.

In the same vein, former Governor Ayodele Fayose declared his support for Oyebanji, saying his decision was driven by the interest of Ekiti State.

“I am here for Ekiti. I remain a member of the PDP, but I am first an Ekiti man,” Fayose said, adding that he had supported the governor’s administration over the past two and a half years.

Former Governor Niyi Adebayo also expressed confidence in Oyebanji’s chances, urging residents to come out en masse to vote.

In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, said the party had put structures in place across all local government areas to ensure victory, disclosing that thousands of canvassers had been deployed for grassroots mobilisation.

He also noted that members of other political parties had defected to the APC ahead of the election.

Other party leaders at the event commended the governor’s performance in infrastructure, human capital development, and governance, expressing optimism that the APC would secure victory in the forthcoming poll.

The campaign flag-off held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, had in attendance; Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, his counterparts from Kogi, Ahmed Usman Ododo; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Delta, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; former governors of Ekiti State, as well as national and state party leaders.