Ekiti APC caucus endorses Tinubu, Oyebanji for second term

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in Ekiti State has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election in the 2026 and 2027 elections.

The caucus, which met in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state at the weekend, stated that President Tinubu has demonstrated the capacity to implement his Renewed Hope Agenda for the country, and that Governor Oyebanji should be supported in delivering the dividends of democracy to residents of the state.

The meeting was attended by former governors Chief Niyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor Oyebanji, Senators Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, and Babafemi Ojudu, as well as members of the national and state assemblies and other stakeholders in the party.

The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by Senate spokesman Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, and seconded by the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Modupe Adelabu.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, moved the motion for Oyebanji’s endorsement, which was supported by a former member of the Assembly, Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle.

Speaking while moving the endorsement motion, which was ratified through a loud voice vote, Senator Adaramodu commended President Tinubu for his decisive economic reforms that have revitalised the country’s economy, as well as his comprehensive security strategies that have addressed the root causes of insecurity within one and a half years in office.

He said that for these reasons and several other positive outcomes, the President deserved to be supported for re-election in 2027 to sustain the gains and ensure their long-term impact.

Describing the President’s reforms as “transformational” with a profound impact on the socio-economic landscape, the Senate spokesman said, “I, on behalf of the National Assembly Caucus and as a true progressive member of our great party, APC, move that we in Ekiti APC adopt continuity, starting from our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Come 2027, we are moving that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the Renewed Hope Agenda shall continually be renewed.”

While moving the motion for the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji for re-election, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Aribasoye, said the Governor had demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities characterised by his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people and the all-round development of the state.

The Speaker praised the Governor for making the party highly acceptable to the people through his sterling performance, people-oriented policies, and programmes, as well as consistently prioritising the needs and aspirations of the citizens, thereby fostering trust and unity across the state.

Also, the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said members and leaders of the party were pleased with the performance of the Governor, hence the decision to support him for re-election.

He, however, appealed to APC leaders not to be complacent but to remain committed to the ideals of the progressives by engaging members across the 177 wards in the state.

According to him, “Generally speaking, I think we have a lot to thank God for, and we must thank our Governor. Everywhere we turn to, it’s BAO, our leader, and I do exchange notes regularly. When I was coming back to the country yesterday morning (Thursday), I travelled with somebody from the Senate from London, and he said, ‘Thank you very much for the Governor.’

“He said, ‘I went to Ekiti for Senator Bamidele’s conferment of an honorary degree. You need to extend Ekiti magic to the rest of the country to help us.’ This is all due to the way our Governor has conducted himself and how he conveyed his sense of humility and service to the party both at the national and state levels. That is why we are all gathered here to happily work together with him to accomplish the task of greater development for the people.”

On his part, the first civilian Governor of Ekiti, Niyi Adebayo, stated that the caucus had made itself very clear, saying, “We are all in support of the Governor contesting for another term.

“Everyone is pleased with the work he is doing, and we believe he should seek re-election. He has our full support as he continues his leadership journey.”

Similarly, the caucus reiterated its support for the President, acknowledging the positive strides made under his administration.

Responding, Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the party for their belief in his leadership acumen and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for creating a conducive environment that has allowed states to thrive through bold national policies and reforms.

Oyebanji said, “I stand here this afternoon to give glory to God for a day like this. My appreciation goes to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support for us in Ekiti. This support has been the enabler for everything we have been able to achieve in the state.

“After him, I thank the father of the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. I thank you for your support. I count myself lucky to have former Governor Adebayo and Dr Fayemi in my corner, and I count it as a blessing for Ekiti State. Not all states have leaders that are committed to the development of their state and the people.”

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE