It was a carnival-like event on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Central Senatorial District endorsed the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term in office.
The party stakeholders, under the leadership of Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and former Deputy Governor Professor Modupe Adelabu, said that Governor Oyebanji has positively impacted the state in the last two and a half years and deserves to be re-elected in the 2026 governorship election.
Speaking during the event, Oyebanji, who commended the party leaders and stakeholders in the Central Senatorial District for the endorsement, said he is not afraid of any competition ahead of next year’s poll.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the availability of more resources to all states, which he said has enabled his administration to execute laudable projects across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Oyebanji said, “We are grateful for this honour; 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 utilise. 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.”
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 all leaders, noting that his inclusive leadership style has restored political stability to 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 recognise 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 recognise 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,” he said.
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.
On her part, Professor Adelabu noted that Oyebanji had delivered numerous projects for the betterment of Ekiti residents, making him worthy of governing the state for a second term beyond 2026.
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