Ekiti 2026: Gov. Oyebanji reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful poll

Ekiti 2026: Gov. Oyebanji reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful poll

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Ekiti State Governor, My Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his commitment to peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, noting that there is no alternative to peace.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday when he received members of the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by its Chairman and former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his office in Ado- Ekiti. He reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible governorship election on June 20.

While commending members of the committee for their efforts at brokering peace and ensuring peaceful coexistence among contestants, Governor Oyebanji noted that such commitment was made about four years ago when he contested for the governorship . He maintained that all the contestants demonstrated their commitment to that accord by behaving responsibly, a development that culminated into a peaceful election.

Governor Oyebanji said further that Ekiti cannot achieve the desired progress and reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony urging the preservation of Ekiti ethos during and after the electoral process from all stakeholders in Ekiti project.

“We understand the nexus between a peaceful society and development, we also know that if genuinely you want to serve the people, you cannot unleash violence on them. So your mandate is so crucial to what we want to achieve in this state. And I can confidently say it here, that my team, my party, and the government that I'm leading will do everything to ensure that during, before, and after the election, we maintain peace in this state.

“This is going to be my second signing of the Peace Accord. About three and a half years ago, this same programme was held in Ekiti and we made commitment to peace and in fairness after that programme, all of us were committed to that accord. All the contestants behaved responsibly, and we had a peaceful election.

“Ekiti State is 29 years old, and by October 1, we'll be 30 years old. As far as my memory can carry me, this will be the first time that we will have an election in less than a month, and the state is this peaceful. We have never had it like this before and that speaks to the new political culture that we are trying to bring to bear in Ekiti State.

“We just concluded a local government tour of 16 local government areas of the state and for the first time, it was violence-free, and because we are the main political party, other players are also looking at us, you know, and since we, the dominant party are maintaining peace, they don't have any other choice than to embrace peace too.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar who was represented by a member of the committee, General Martins Agwai said the team was in the state to broker peace among the major political players in the forthcoming June 20, governorship election in the drive to work together to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

The Chairman stressed the need to strengthen electoral process to enable residents benefit from the democratic system Nigeria truly desires.

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, APC chairman, Barr. Olusola Eleshin, Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode as well as a Nigerian Roman Catholic prelate and the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah among others.

Gov. Oyebanji to Receive NCSU “Best Governor of the Year” Award

PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Oyebanji to Receive NCSU “Best Governor of the Year” Award

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, will on Thursday, May 21, receive the Nigerian Civil Servants Union (NCSU)’s “Governor of the Year” Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to workers’ welfare, people-oriented policies, and exemplary leadership.

The award, according to a letter signed by the Union’s General Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, will be presented in Abuja during the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The NCSU cited Governor Oyebanji’s remarkable achievements across key sectors of the economy, as well as his transformative policies and programmes in Ekiti State over the last three and a half years, as the basis for the honour.

The Union also noted that the award is in recognition of the Governor’s developmental strides in infrastructure, economic reforms, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.

In the letter, the Union stated:

“We bring to Your Excellency warm greetings and continued appreciation from the leadership of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU), under the able leadership of our National President, Comrade (Prince) Oluwole Adeleye Sunday. We are pleased to reaffirm our decision to honour Your Excellency with the prestigious ‘Best Governor of the Year’ Award, in recognition of your outstanding commitment to workers’ welfare, people-oriented policies, and exemplary leadership in Ekiti State.

“Your Excellency, please accept once again our profound appreciation for your continued support for the workforce and your administration’s remarkable achievements.”

Governor Oyebanji, who is widely regarded for his people-centred approach to governance, has continued to earn recognition locally, nationally, and internationally for his strides in human capital development and infrastructure delivery.

Signed 

Olayinka Oyebode 

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor 

20-05-2026

CO-FOUNDER ERELU BISI FAYEMI SHINES AT WOMEN DELIVER CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA

 CO-FOUNDER ERELU BISI FAYEMI SHINES AT WOMEN DELIVER CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA

Renowned feminist advocate, author, and Co-Founder of the Amandla Institute, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has urged global stakeholders to transition from high-level conversations to tangible actions in the ongoing push for gender equity.

Speaking at this year’s Women Deliver conference held in Melbourne, Australia, Erelu Fayemi underscored that sustainable development across Africa depends heavily on deliberate, generational investments in female leadership. Women Deliver is globally recognized as a premier platform advocating for the rights of women and girls, drawing together thousands of activists, academics, donors, policymakers, and political leaders.

Reflecting on the core theme of the gathering, Fayemi noted that the overwhelming consensus among delegates this year was an urgent emphasis on "action beyond rhetoric." The summit also provided a vital networking hub, allowing her to reconnect with veteran gender advocates while forging new strategic alliances.

A major highlight of her itinerary was joining the delegation of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an institution she co-founded, for a powerful intergenerational dialogue. The session mapped out the extensive impact AWDF has achieved across the African continent over the past twenty-six years, bridging the gap between pioneering feminist leaders and the next generation of changemakers.

In addition to her engagements with AWDF, Erelu Fayemi participated in a session hosted by Action Aid International (Nigeria), which evaluated the practical realities, successes, and challenges of supporting grassroots women’s rights organizations locally. She also lent her voice to an event organized by the Policy Innovation Center focused on advancing frameworks for women’s bodily autonomy and fundamental rights.

Reaffirming the core mission of her current leadership role, Fayemi stated, "At the Amandla Institute, we believe that investing in women’s leadership across sectors and generations is key to enhancing our progress as a continent."

EKITI 2026: NLC, ASUSS ADOPT OYEBANJI AS PREFERRED CANDIDATE

...Oyebanji reveals reasons for zero strike in three years

The entire workforce in Ekiti State under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and secondary school teachers in the state under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) have adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji as their preferred candidate in the June 20 governorship election.

The workers' body and secondary school teachers' union said their decision was based on improved workers' welfare and general conditions of service under the administration of Oyebanji in nearly four years in office.

At separate strategic engagements the Governor held with the two bodies in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, they pledged to mobilise their families, colleagues, friends, dependants, fellow worshippers, neighbours and their communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate at the forthcoming poll.

The state NLC Chairman, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde said all the 35 affiliate unions have met, resolved and adopted Oyebanji as their preferred candidate and would work in favour of his re-election because of the belief that workers’ welfare package would be consolidated during his second term.

Olatunde said Oyebanji has employed more workers into the state workforce and made available several benefits including appointment of workers into prestigious positions, regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, payment of arrears, approval of leave bonuses, donation of buses to unions, free bus service for workers, among other several benefits.

The State ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Olusola Adigun, at the parley with the Governor at their state secretariat, said Oyebanji has delivered and fulfilled all promises made to the union hence the desire of his members to reward him with massive votes during the June 20 governorship election.

Adigun, who also doubles as the National President of ASUSS, said Governor Oyebanji needs a vote tally that is above 500,000 which explains why the union has raised a group known as BAO Grassroots Coordinators to galvanise support for the Governor in the grassroots.

The ASUSS boss said secondary school teachers in the State are grateful to the Oyebanji for being the most responsive and the best teacher-friendly leader in the history of the state.

According to him, the secondary school teachers have never had it so good in the history of the state in terms of welfare they have enjoyed under Oyebanji. He said teachers are ready to reciprocate with votes at the coming poll.

But Oyebanji who appreciated the workers and teachers for their tremendous support revealed the secret of why there has been no single strike by workers or any labour union in the last three years of his administration.

The Governor said the good relationship built with workers, giving them listening ears, according priority to their welfare and making efforts to boost their standards of living are reasons why there has been no industrial action under his watch. He said his relationship with workers will always get better.

Oyebanji used the opportunity of his engagement with ASUSS to canvass support for APC not only at the governorship poll but also at the presidential election in 2027 to ensure a bigger vote tally for President Bola Tinubu whom he said has done so much for Ekiti in the last three years.

He appealed to NLC and ASUSS members to mobilise other people who possess voters' cards to polling booths at both the governorship poll and presidential election and ensure that they vote APC for them to reap better benefits in years to come.

But dwelling on why Ekiti has enjoyed industrial peace since his ascension to power in 2022, Oyebanji said it was down to the grace of God, seeing the members of the state workforce as his friends and always making sure that the get the best welfare package within the ambit of state resources.

He said: "I am here just to say thank you and thank you. I want to say and appreciate everybody for the fact that since we came to office, we have not recorded a single strike in our state. I want to say I am grateful to teachers and I am grateful to entire workers for this feat.

"I am grateful for your true love, I am grateful for your understanding, I am grateful for honouring my mum and my parents, my mum is not here again but she belonged to this profession and you are treating me as your son.

"Whatever are your rightful demands, when you bring them to my attention, you can be rest assured that they will receive my speedy attention. In the last three years and seven months, I have enjoyed tremendous and undiluted support from you and I cannot recall any Governor that has enjoyed that kind of grace.

"It is a grace that I will not take for granted and it is a grace that I will continue to pray to God that I will continue to do things that will always make us to be friends."

Senate Leader and Chairman of the Oyebanji Re-election Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, canvassed the support of NLC and ASUSS for Oyebanji's re-election which he noted would deliver better welfare package for them.

Bamidele also charged them on the need to deliver massive votes for President Bola Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential poll on the strength of what Ekiti has so far benefited under the APC-led Federal Government.

The forum was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Director General of the Campaign Council and the lawmaker representing Ekiti North in the Senate, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff to the Governor/Secretary of the Campaign Council, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; retired labour chieftains, among others.

Fayemi to Deliver Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in South Africa

*Press Statement* 

*Fayemi to Deliver Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in South Africa*

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Executive Chairman of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, has been invited to deliver the 16th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Cape Town, South Africa.

The invitation was conveyed in a letter dated May 1, 2026, and signed by former South African President and Patron of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Thabo Mbeki.

Africa Day is celebrated across the continent on May 25 every year. For 16 years, the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture has served as an important flagship platform for African reflection, dialogue and continental engagement and the 16th edition is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme - “Rebuilding African Unity in an Age of Fragmentation - Sovereignty, Solidarity and the Renewal of Institutions. “ 

Previous speakers at the Annual event include President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania; former Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Salim; Professors Mahmood Mamdani of Uganda, Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal and Toyin Falola of Nigeria, amongst others.

A renowned pan-Africanist, Dr Fayemi has been active in African policy, activist and government circles for the last four decades and more so lately in advocating for Africa’s active involvement in the changing global order. 

He is currently a Professor at the African Leadership Centre in the School of Global Affairs, King’s College London and also President of the Forum of Regions of Africa - a pan-African forum of sub-sovereign states.

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

May 19th, 2026

NASS Primaries: Bamidele, Fasuyi, Adaramodu Emerge APC Senatorial Candidates

NASS Primaries: Bamidele, Fasuyi, Adaramodu Emerge APC Senatorial Candidates

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has concluded its senatorial primary elections in Ekiti State, with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Cyril Fasuyi and Senator Yemi Adaramodu emerging candidates for Ekiti Central, Ekiti North and Ekiti South Senatorial Districts respectively.

Announcing the results in Ado Ekiti on Monday night, the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Chief Returning Officer, Asipa Wasiu Adedoyin, declared Senetor Opeyemi Bamidele winner of the Ekiti Central Senatorial District primary election having contested alone and polled 29,586 votes.

For Ekiti North Senatorial District, the committee declared incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi winner after polling 14,179 votes to defeat a former Member of the Senate, Senator Ayo Arise, who scored 4,868 votes and Engr Bamisaye Oladipupo who polled 3,694 in the keenly contested exercise

Similarly, in Ekiti South Senatorial District primary, Senator Yemi Adaramodu secured 12,200 votes to emerge winner, defeating a former National Assembly member, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who polled 7,420 votes and Hon Bamidele Faparusi who polled 5,502 votes. 

Adedoyin commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise across the three senatorial districts, describing the process as transparent and in line with the guidelines of the party.

GUBER POLL: EKITI LG WORKERS PLEDGE TO DELIVER 200,000 VOTES FOR OYEBANJI

GUBER POLL: EKITI LG WORKERS PLEDGE TO DELIVER 200,000 VOTES FOR OYEBANJI

….As Teachers adopt Gov as preferred candidate

Ahead of the June 20 Governorship election in Ekiti State, local government workers in the State have promised to deliver not less 200,000 votes to boost Governor Biodun Oyebanji's re-election.

The local government workers disclosed this in Ado- Ekiti on Monday during an engagement with Governor Oyebanji at their secretariat in Ado Ekiti, just as teachers in the state also adopted Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer, as their preferred candidate, assuring him of their massive votes for being a teacher-friendly governor and for prioritising their welfare.

The governor brought smiles to the faces of the local government workers and teachers with an assurance of the payment of their outstanding leave bonuses along with their May salaries.

Oyebanji used the opportunity of the interface to allay the fear of workers that second term administration usually bring suffering for workers, stressing that the fear of God in him and the compassion he has would not allow him to inflict hardship on the people after being re-election for a second term. 

The Governor urged the council workers and teachers to use their massive votes to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the significant strides made by his administration would not have been possible but for the support of the President .

Apparently impressed by improved welfare they had so far enjoyed from Oyebanji, the local government workers who described the governor as their "friend" assured him of their overwhelming support at the poll stressing that they would use their numerical strength to boost his re-election.

The teachers who noted that the fact that Oyebanji's parents were teachers has made him their "son" adding that they have adopted him as their preferred candidate on the strength of his commitment to their welfare and providing them conducive working environment since coming to office.

The teachers also disclosed that they have set up structures across the 16 local government to mobilize and educate voters on the need to re- elect Oyebanii for a second term.

The state NULGE President, Comrade Oluseyi Olatunde, who reeled out various benefits reaped by union members and local government pensioners so far from the Oyebanji administration said the workers and the union leaders have resolved and concluded to give the governor not less than 200,000 votes.

He said: "Leadership is best judged by impact and your administration has undoubtedly made positive impact in the lives of workers. It is therefore not surprising that we workers and union members are willing to reciprocate your good gestures by supporting your second term.

"Your Excellency as far as we are concerned, we have deliberated and we have concluded to give you 200,000 votes. We believe your continuity will further consolidate achievements already recorded under your administration.

"We are confident that your second term will provide greater opportunities for more developmental projects, improved workers' welfare, youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth in our dear state."

The State NUT Chairman, Comrade Lawrence Egbeyemi, said Ekiti teachers are happy with Oyebanji and expressed belief that they will be happier during his second term having wormed his way into the hearts of teachers with various welfarist policies and gestures.

Egbeyemi said: "You have performed well in office and recorded unprecedented achievements in the education sector. Your love for teachers and passion for education are innate and genuine."

Expressing confidence that he would win the forthcoming governorship poll, Oyebanji canvassed a high vote tally in Ekiti noting that the delivery of a minimum of 500,000 votes would boost President Tinubu's re-election bid as expectations are high for him to get higher figure from his home base or South West.

The governor enjoined local government workers and teachers to influence their spouses, parents, friends, people in their places of worship and in their neighbourhoods and communities to vote massively for APC at the Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential poll.

Oyebanji urges RMAFC’s support for Ekiti development

Oyebanji urges RMAFC’s support for Ekiti development 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has solicited the support of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for sustainable development of the state by addressing the revenue accruable to the State from the Federation account. 

Governor Oyebanji made the call in Ado- Ekiti on Monday when he received a team from the Commission led by one of its federal commissioners, Hon Wumi Ogunlola. He said while previous efforts of the commission has yet to yield positive result for the state, he is hopeful that the current efforts would give Ekiti a better deal so that the state would move up the revenue ladder .

While acknowledging various efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at ensuring that the subnational are at the top of financial situation in their states, Governor Oyebanji commended the President for the bold step he took to rejig the economy as well as being intentional in the drive to give breathing space to the states to perform effectively and efficiently.

The Governor also assured the commission that his administration will continue to support it because of the importance and strategic position of RMAFC in the drive to make it achieve its desired success. 

He implored them to visit some on-going projects to really appreciate the shared prosperity agenda and support the vision of his administration.

“We have a President now that is intentional and that also wants the sub-nationals to breath, and based on that, we are going to give every necessary support to you, and that is why I've invited ministries that have one or two things to do with you, and we hope that this will be a new beginning in the relationship between the state and RMAFC, I have absolute confidence in your ability to do what is right.

“Please go out and see what we have done and you see the reason why we need help. When you look at the revenue ladder, you will see that it's either we are the last or we are second to the last. But that is not even the problem, We just want to be treated fairly and we want to be treated as part of the subnational because we contribute our quota to the development of the country. He stated.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the team, Hon Wumi Ogunlola said RMAFC members are in the state to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will ultimately inform the distribution of revenue across the Federation. She added that the revenue allocation system was built on a set of indices that seek to ensure fairness, equity, and justice in the sharing of national resources as well as the evolution of the socio-economic realities where population dynamics change, infrastructure expands, developmental gaps shift, and new challenges emerge.

Hon Ogunlola said the team will collaborate with state ministries, departments, agencies to ensure accurate and credible data verification and collection that reflects on-ground realities. She also sought the state government’s assistance and cooperation in providing access to relevant data and records; designating competent liaison officers to work with the team; facilitate access to Local Government Areas as well as ensure a conducive environment for the exercise.

While asserting that the outcome of this exercise will have significant implications for the Federation as a whole and for Ekiti State in particular, Ogunlola used the opportunity to assure government of its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and objectivity throughout the exercise adding that members of the team have been carefully selected and trained to carry out the assignment with the highest level of integrity, in line with national and international best practices.

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioners for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye; Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode; Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service Mr. Olaniran Olatona and Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

APC Declares Oye-Ikole Federal Constituency Primary Election Inconclusive

APC Declares Oye-Ikole Federal Constituency Primary Election Inconclusive

….As Karounwi, Bamisile, Okoro, Olarewaju, Fatoba Emerge as Candidates

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Primary Election Committee for the House of Representatives in Ekiti State has declared the primary election for Oye-Ikole Federal Constituency inconclusive, following controversies and crisis that trailed the exercise.

The Committee however, announced Olusola Fatoba as the winner for Ado/Irepodun; Oladapo Karounwi, Ijero/Ekiti West/ Efon; Femi Bamisile, Ekiti East/Emure/Gbonyin; Toyin Okoro, Ikere/Ekiti South West/Ise-Orun; and Ibrahim Olarewaju, Ilejemeje/ Ido-Osi/Moba Federal constituency.

Announcing the results in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, the Chairman of the Committee and Chief Returning Officer, Asipa Wasiu Adedoyin, said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party would review the outcome of the inconclusive Oye-Ikole federal constituency and make final pronouncement on the matter.

He explained that there is no provision or window for a re-run, noting that the party leadership would determine the final course of action in line with its internal rule and guidelines to ensure fairness and party unity.

In the announced results, the incumbent, Mr Steve Olusola Fatoba of Ekiti central Federal Constituency 1 was declared winner having polled 8,943 votes against Tope Ogunleye who scored 1,760.

‎

‎In Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, Oladapo Karounwi scored the highest number of votes to emerge the winner with 6573 votes to defeat Biodun Omoleye who scored 1,412 votes and Victor Kolade who polled 2,096.

‎

‎Toyin Okoro secured victory with 9,798 votes in Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, defeating Rufus Ojuawo who scored 1,842 votes and Idowu Alabi who polled 1395 votes.

‎

‎In Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, Mr. Femi Bamisile defeated other aspirants after polling 4379 votes.

‎

‎Similarly, Ibraheem Olanrewaju emerged winner in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II with 6,856 votes, beating incumbent, Kolawole Akinlayo who polled 2102 votes and others.

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Also present at the venue of the collated results were, Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), State Party Chairman, Bar Olusola Eleshin and other party leaders.

LG CAMPAIGN TOUR: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO EX-GOVERNORS, EKITI OBAS, APC LEADERS, CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

LG CAMPAIGN TOUR: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO EX-GOVERNORS, EKITI OBAS, APC LEADERS, CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the State for their support and commitment to his re-election for a second term, as demonstrated through their large turn-out and active participation in the just concluded campaign tour of the 16 local government areas of the State.

The campaign tour which started in Ikole Local Government Area on May 4, was concluded in Ado Local Government on Wednesday with a carnival-live rally at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti. 

The Governor also held talks with all traditional rulers in all the local government areas visited, where he shared his second term vision with the obas. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, said he was elated by the warm reception accorded him and his team in all the local government areas visited during the 10-day tour, as well as the peaceful conduct exhibited by individuals and groups.

While thanking God for a hitch-free campaign tour, Governor Oyebanji also thanked all the former governors of the State for their demonstrated love and support for his administration and for their active participation in his re-election campaign activities.

The Governor also thanked all members of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers for their warm reception, prayers and words of encouragement when he visited their respective domains during the campaign tour.

He also thanked members of the APC Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election Campaign Council, under the leadership of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and all the local organizing committee in all the local government areas, for being painstaking in the planning and coordination of the campaign tour.  

He also thanked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State as well as the local government and ward leadership of the party for effective coordination of members. The Governor said the effective mobilization of party supporters for the tour is a clear pointer to the commitment of the party to achieve the minimum 500,000 vote target in the June 20 governorship election.

 

“Our profound gratitude goes to all our leaders, especially, all former Governors of the State- Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi; for their commitment and active participation in the campaign.  

 

“Special appreciation to all our revered royal fathers in the State Traditional Rulers Council for their support and assurances. Our royal fathers fought for the creation of our beloved state, and they have remained united in their commitment to its growth and development.

 

“Special thanks to all our leaders across all the polling units, wards, local government areas and at the state level for the huge mobilization. We are at the verge of making history and together we shall win convincingly come June 20 and prepare the ground for a much sweeter victory for our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election”, the Governor said.

In similar vein, Governor Oyebanji also expressed deep appreciation to over 380 groups and associations that had, in the last one year, endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in office. He also lauded the leadership of labour and trade unions, Ekiti youths and students organisations, market women, leadership of the informal sector and citizens of the state for their sundry support.

Reinstating his commitment to an issue-based and violence-free campaign, Governor Oyebanji, urged other candidates to also toe the path of peace in the course of the electioneering, stressing that no ambition is worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen.

APC Chieftain Olusola Olaleye Steps Down, Endorses Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ekiti North II House of Reps Ticket

APC Chieftain Olusola Olaleye Steps Down, Endorses Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ekiti North II House of Reps Ticket

In a significant development ahead of tomorrow’s All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, House of Representatives aspirant Hon. Olusola Gabriel Olaleye has stepped down and declared support for fellow aspirant Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju.

Olaleye, an APC leader in Ayetoro Ekiti, announced the decision today in Ayetoro, saying it followed wide consultations with his supporters and stakeholders across the constituency. He was joined by members of his campaign team and grassroots supporters who pledged to work for Olarewaju’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

Speaking on the endorsement, Olaleye said his decision was based on the Hon Ibrahim Olarewaju’s track record as a former representative, Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the level of backing he enjoys within the party structure at all levels.

“The aspirant I’m stepping down for has earned the trust of the people due to his unmatched performance during his last stint at the House of Representatives,” Olaleye said. “I am convinced by the fact that Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju enjoys the support of stakeholders in the national, state, federal constituency, the local government, and at the ward level.”

“For the positive allegiance we owe to the party and for the unity of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, it is my decision to step down and work for Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju to emerge candidate of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II,” he added.

Olaleye urged his supporters across the federal constituency, and most especially Ayetoro Wards I and II, to mobilize behind Olarewaju in the primary scheduled for tomorrow, describing the move as a step toward presenting a united front for the party in the general elections.

The endorsement is expected to shift momentum in the race for the APC ticket in Ekiti North II, which covers Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas. 

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives and is seeking a return on the platform of the APC.

MOBA, IDO OSI AND ILEJEMEJE PARTY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE HON. IBRAHIM OLANREWAJU FOR EKITI NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY II

MOBA, IDO OSI AND ILEJEMEJE PARTY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE HON. IBRAHIM OLANREWAJU FOR EKITI NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY II

Party leaders, stakeholders and faithfuls across MOBA, IDO OSI and ILEJEMEJE Local Government Areas have unanimously endorsed Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju as the Honourable Member to Represent Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

The endorsement meeting, which witnessed massive attendance from party stakeholders and supporters, reaffirmed the confidence of the people in the leadership capacity, competence and political experience of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju.

Present at the meeting were the party chairmen of MOBA, IDO OSI and ILEJEMEJE Local Governments, alongside all the ward chairmen of the 32 wards across Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, as well as other notable stakeholders and party faithfuls from across the constituency.

In his opening remarks, the APC Chairman of IDO OSI Local Government welcomed party leaders, stakeholders and faithfuls to the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II strategic meeting, appreciating everyone for their commitment, unity and dedication towards the growth and progress of the party.

During the meeting, the APC Chairman of ILEJEMEJE Local Government formally moved the motion that Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju be endorsed as the party’s candidate to represent Ekiti North Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives.

The motion was subsequently supported by the APC Chairman of MOBA Local Government, who reaffirmed the collective confidence of party leaders and stakeholders in the leadership capacity and acceptability of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju across the constituency.

In furtherance of the proceedings, the Honourable Member representing IDO OSI Constituency II at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Yomi Ayorinde, subjected the motion to the party faithfuls and stakeholders present, and it received overwhelming affirmation and acceptance for Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju to emerge as the endorsed candidate of the party.

Also speaking at the event, the APC State Treasurer, Rufus Olajide, popularly known as Ayelomo, stated that prior to the endorsement, he had been supporting Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, but affirmed that now that the party had collectively moved and accepted the motion, he is fully and solidly behind Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju.

Also present at the event were, Hon. Olabode Folorunsho, Hon. Sunkanmi Onipede, the Chairperson of ERO LCDA, Felicia Ibiloye, Mrs Aderiye and Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, among several other distinguished personalities.

In his remarks, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju wholeheartedly accepted the endorsement and expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for the huge confidence and faith reposed in him.

He assured the gathering that he would remain committed to quality representation, effective service delivery and the continued advancement of the constituency, while promising not to disappoint the trust bestowed upon him.

The meeting concluded with renewed unity, enthusiasm and commitment among party members towards ensuring continued progress and victory for the party across the constituency.

Oyebanji is a Performer and Builder, Deserves Second Term, Say Fayose, Ojudu

Oyebanji is a Performer and Builder, Deserves Second Term, Say Fayose, Ojudu 

A former Governor of Ekiti State , Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a Performer and Builder of a modern Ekiti, who deserves a second term by all standards of measurement. 

Fayose, who spoke on behalf of his colleague former governors, during the final leg of Governor Oyebanji’s campaign tour of local government areas, in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, maintained that all of the former governors are behind Oyebanji’s re-election for a second term, stressing that his brilliant and captivating performance must last till 2030 in the interest of the people. 

Addressing a huge crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Fayose said he was confident that Governor Oyebanji will be victorious in the June 20 poll, adding that the Governor has no viable opponent that could pose any threat, on account of his exhilarating performance scorecard. 

"I want to salute our governor, the performer, the builder and the man of the moment who has brought all of us together. I celebrate you at this moment. I am here in my capacity as part of the leaders of this state that are interested in the development of the people. This Governor never abandoned anybody and we are solidly behind him. We are with you and we will ever remain with you.

"I am not a member of APC, you all know my party. But what is good has no other name. I want Oyebanji popularly known as BAO to remain in office till 2030. He is a good leader. 

"On behalf of all the former governors, I want to say that we remain with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we want him to remain in office till 2030. We congratulate him. God bless everybody".

Another leader of the party and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said it will be a shame for the party to deliver anything less than 500,000 votes to retain the governor on his seat.

According to Ojudu “The governor remains the most accessible, the most friendly, he has been the most generous to our people. In this election, the minimum we can give him is 500,000 votes. Let us thank him for the kind of change he has brought to Ekiti politics . I have told everybody that I have retired from politics, but he brought me out of retirement. He said I can't retire. 

"He has become our leader in Ekiti. He sees everybody as brothers, whether you are from Ado or Ikogosi, wherever you may come from. All of us, both at home and in the Diaspora will be around to vote for him.

"Governor Oyebanji is not a fake, he is an original Ekiti man, a solid Ekiti man and we will continue to stand by him. I want to thank him for what he has done for us in Ekiti".  

In the same fashion, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, thanked the people for their groundswell of support, particularly the backing being offered by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe for the current government. 

Bamidele said the governor has done well in terms of performance, display of strong character, pursuit of unity and development of human capital, saying his reelection is a fine deal.

"We have a total of 1.032 million of voters in Ekiti. In 2022, Ado gave APC 23,000 votes and we are looking at 120,000 votes from Ado this time. You can know the kind of work we need to do. 

"SDP in 2022 had 15,000 and PDP had 7,000. But today, we don’t have the kind of fierce opposition we had in 2022. Engr Segun Oni who contested against us then is now campaigning for BAO. The 120,000 votes expected from Ado Ekiti is doable let us work hard and deliver it". 

Overwhelmed by the quantum of support he had been garnering among the populace, Oyebanji said the party had visited all the local governments without violence, which attested to his resolve to allow free and fair election on June 20.

Oyebanji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fairness to the state in terms of appointments and projects, describing this as a novelty since the advent of democracy in 1999. 

"Everybody in Ado Ekiti has seen what we have done. You have seen the airport we completed, the road we built, the ring road we have constructed, you can seen the flyover and the hospital we have built. All these are the projects that are speaking loudly for us.

"We have visited 15 local governments now and the support had been overwhelming and humbling. Let us work hard in this election. We have a target we must meet to appreciate President Tinubu in 2027. We must send the signal with this election. 

"The total number of all APC members in Ekiti is 100,000. Go out and identify the teachers, Okada riders, traders and those who are not our members and woo them to vote for us. This is the only way we will be able to meet the standard of votes set. The fact that we didn't witness any violence was a new order in Ekiti and the fact that we respect the fundamental rights of everybody.

"Our canvassers will begin mobilisation through door to door campaign from tomorrow. We are not going to rest until June 19 when we must have converted all the voters here in Ekiti to vote for APC", Oyebani added. 

In his submission at the political gathering, the state Chairman of the APC, Hon. Sola Elesin, who is from Ado Local Government, said the Local Government has a total of 187,000 votes across the 13 wards, saying nothing prevents the party from delivering an aggregate of 180,000 out of it. 

Other leaders and stakeholders who spoke at the event lauded the governor for giving Ado Ekiti a facelift through the flyover project, revenue House, Ado Ekiti Ring Road, Ekiti State International Cargo Airport, several road projects, human capital development, promising to mobilise for his reelection on June 20.

Present at the rally were the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Chairman of the APC, Hon Sola Elesin, member of the House of Representatives, Sola Fatoba, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Bode Ola, Prof Modupe Adelabu, among others.