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.

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‎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.

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‎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.

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

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‎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.

Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji

Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji

…As Oyebanji, Bamidele say “no breathing space” for opposition in battle for votes

 

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in the state, Chief Joseph Anifowose, on Tuesday stepped down for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at a rally in Igede-Ekiti.

Chief Anifowose cited the need to sustain the tempo of growth and development being witnessed under the BAO Administration in the last three and a half years for his decision to step down and work for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.

He told party leaders, supporters and residents at the rally that his decision was informed by the visible transformation and developmental strides recorded in the state under the Oyebanji administration, which he described as a turning point in Ekiti’s governance.

According to him, the progress in infrastructure, social services and governance reforms across the state had convinced him that continuity was necessary to sustain and deepen the ongoing development agenda.

He said “ if you look at Governor Oyebanji in the last three and a half years, he has been able to mobilize all the former Governors for the development of the state. Governor Oyebanji is a divine arrangement and a God sent. He has shown capacity and competence and he is committed to making Ekiti great

“That is why my party APM has decided to support the Governor. We held the state executive and the state working committee meetings where all the local government executives were directed to go and vote for Governor Oyebanji and it was publicly announced”, he added. 

Earlier in Ilawe Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, have declared that there will no breathing space for the opposition in the battle to secure the votes of the electorate in the forthcoming governorship and general elections in Ekiti.

 

The trio said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to achieve a landslide victory in the June 20 governorship election, and the January 2027 presidential election to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose benevolence and magnanimity, according to them, have benefitted Ekiti in the last three years.

Addressing a teeming crowd at the two locations, Oyebanji stressed that major capital projects being executed by both state and federal governments are gestures to prove that the APC loves the state and that the people of the state have not made mistake in voting the party to power.

 

Some of the projects referenced by the Governor include Ikere-Ilawe Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road, Ilawe-Erijiyan Road, Ilawe General Hospital all executed by his administration and Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure highway whose one lane has been completed by the federal government and Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway presently being reconstructed also by the federal government.

 

According to the governor, the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu is already fixing the notorious Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway.

 

While urging the people of Ekiti to keep the APC in power at state and federal levels, Oyebanji said the President also demonstrated his love for the state by appointing many of its indigenes to prominent and enviable positions in his administration.

 

The APC governorship flag bearer also disclosed that two power transmission stations at Ilupeju Ekiti and Ijesa Isu Ekiti being executed by the Tinubu-led federal government are nearing completion and would boost power supply for domestic and industrial use in the state. He charged the electorate to repay the favour with their votes at the polls.

 

Oyebanji also aimed a dig at the opposition parties in the state who he carpeted for their inactivity on the campaign field accusing them of being only present on social media unlike the APC that is vigorously engaging the electorate and taking its campaigns to their domains to demonstrate readiness to sweep the available votes on election day.

 

He said: "We are targeting not less than 500,000 votes at the coming election and 177-0 result at ward level because we don't want to lose any of the wards. Here in Ekiti South West which has eleven wards, we are expecting 11-0. We urge our fathers, mothers, youths and everybody look for the APC name and logo on the ballot paper and thumbprint validly.

 

"As we leave here, let us return home and make peace with everybody. You see, no other party is campaigning, they are only campaigning on social media and that is where they will hear their own result. God has given us victory already."

 

Adaramodu, who is the Senator representing Ekiti South in the Senate and deputy Director General of the Campaign Council, maintained that the only agenda on ground was to deliver victory for Oyebanji and Tinubu. He insisted that other candidates who are not from APC would not win any election because the zone is a no-go area for the opposition.

 

He said: "In Ekiti South West Local Government, we have about 56,000 registered voters and if we deliver less than 50,000, we have not done well. That means that we must deliver at least 50,000 for APC and BAO (Oyebanji), the winning votes here must be for BAO.

 

Bamidele enjoined the electorate in the council area to avoid delivering what he called "wastes votes" saying it was only votes for the APC that will benefit them, because it is the only party that occupies every office from the presidency to the councillorship.

 

The Senate Leader who has facilitated the construction of a mini stadium in Ilawe said the people are benefitting from federal government, state government and the various interventions of the federal legislators from the state.

 

Appreciating the people for their support for Oyebanji, Tinubu and the APC, Senator Bamidele said the present administration led by the party has set a standard in governance that would improve the standard of living of the people in the long term.

 

Senator Bamidele who is also the Chairman of the BAO Re-election Campaign Council urged eligible voters to be pragmatic and vote wisely noting that voting for candidates whose parties have little or no structures on ground would end up becoming wasted votes.

 

He said there would be no breathing space for "marginal parties that want to play spoiler roles" nothing that the giant strides being superintended by the APC at state and federal levels should be allowed to continue to ensure a virile and prosperous polity.

 

Bamidele said: "I want to say this to our people, don't allow anybody to waste your votes. If you have a contestant in your hometown but in a party without President, Governor, Senator, House of Representatives, House of Assembly members and even councillors and he tells you to vote for his party, he wants to waste your votes.

 

"Vote for a party from which you can benefit. This is not Ekiti South West that BAO met on ground, a lot has changed here since the time he came to office. Before the January general elections, we must first make victory sure on June 20. None of are candidates should be allowed to fail at all the elections."

 

Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, described Oyebanji as a governor who had lived up to expectation and should be encouraged to return to office for the sustenance of good governance being enjoyed in the state.

 

Spokespersons of interest groups in the local government areas threw their weight behind Oyebanji and restated their readiness to re-elect him based on what his administration has done in their communities and council areas.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID HIS RE-ELECTION

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID HIS RE-ELECTION 

The Senate Leader and Chairman, Ekiti APC 2026 Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said that the excellent performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the last three and a half years has made his re- election an easy task. 

Senator Bamidele said the programmes and policies of the Governor has made significant impact on the lives of the people adding that they have resolved to repay him with an overwhelmingly huge volume of votes in appreciation. 

The Senate Leader stated this in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko on Monday during Governor Oyebanji’s campaign tour of Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Government Areas respectively. 

Senator Bamidele spoke just as Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence of a big margin victory in the June 20 governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji said his performance since coming to power, which has been acknowledged far and wide as being superlative and commendable, has given him assurance of the commitment of Ekiti people to return him for a second term in office with a record volume of votes. 

A massive crowd of residents and party supporters thronged the rally venues in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko Ekiti as the Governor and his entourage were given a rousing welcome in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Addressing the crowd at the campaign ground, Oyebanji described Ijero Local Government as a progressives stronghold that had always delivered impressive figures of vote saying he expects the momentum to be scaled up in the coming election as part of efforts to hit the minimum target of 500,000 votes.

The Governor specifically tasked the chieftains and members of the APC to go to eligible voters who have voters' cards at their polling units and wards and especially those who are not members of the party and convince them to vote for the party at the election.

The APC flag bearer said he was very sure of victory on the strength of his performance and well-documented achievements in office in the key sectors including infrastructure, education, agriculture, rural development, education, human capital development and workers' welfare.

He said: "As a party, we have set a target for ourselves, we have set a minimum target of 500,000 votes. All of us must go home to our units and wards and identify every registered voter especially those who are not members of our party but have voters' cards.

"If performance is the yardstick, we have nothing to fear because of what we have done in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, workers' salaries and welfare of our pensioners.

"The votes must be massive and on June 21 when the result will be declared, I want the President to hear the quantum of votes and his mind will be at rest. In Ekiti, we are going to speak with our votes. On election days, take at least five persons a long with you to the polling booth and vote for APC."

At Efon Alaaye, the Governor who spent part of his formative years in the town, listed several projects executed for the people by his administration and the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu urged the electorate to reciprocate with their votes.

He listed the projects to include the Alanaka Road, Efon Alaaye General Hospital, transformers, Efon-Ipole-Ikogosi Road, Primary Health Centres, Teacher Training College and Itawure-Erio-Aramoko Federal highway which leads to Ado Ekiti, the state capital where work is presently ongoing.

The Governor attributed all the work done by his administration to the benevolence and magnanimity of President Tinubu urging the electorate in Efon to show appreciation with their massive votes.

"If we have a President that does all these for us, we need to apprciiate him in return by voting for his party, the APC in all forthcoming elections. In 2022 you did not vote for our party but we worked for you. But in the coming election, you will combine the votes of 2022 with that of 2026 and the figure will shoot up very well."

Speaking further, Senator Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, appreciated the people of the state for their support for Oyebanji and APC. He canvassed for another opportunity to consolidate the good governance being enjoyed in the state.

The Senate Leader said: "Governor Oyebanji's first term was favourable to Ekiti because the state has witnessed transformation in all areas. Also, Ekiti has enjoyed peace under his administration, there is unity of purpose and development under him.

"It is not a question of winning the election but with a wide margin. Let us cast our votes massive for APC and Governors Oyebanji for this good work to continue and for our state to keep moving forward."

The State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, stressed that the Governor has done well to justify a fresh term in office noting that all hands must be on deck to to ensure his return to office.

Representatives of various interest groups who spoke at the rallies hailed the impact of the Oyebanji Administration and pledged their readiness to cast cast their votes to make his re-election a reality.

They commended Oyebanji's inclusive governance, appointment of their indigenes into key positions in government, projects executed in their areas, empowerment of citizens, among others.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100

 Former Governor of Ekiti State and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has released a glowing tribute to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a formal statement dated May 10, 2026, Dr. Fayemi described the centenarian as a "divine blessing" to the Nigerian nation and a moral compass for the Yoruba people. He emphasized that reaching the age of 100 is not just a personal milestone for the elder statesman but a significant event for the country’s democratic history.

Dr. Fayemi highlighted Chief Fasoranti’s century of life as a testament to sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to good governance. He noted that in moments of political uncertainty and national turbulence, the elder statesman remained one of those rare voices whose convictions never shifted with convenience. The tribute traced Fasoranti's impact through several key eras, including his involvement in the Action Group during the First Republic, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic, and his "incomparable" tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

Beyond politics, the former Governor praised Fasoranti’s enduring legacy in education. Having earned degrees from the University of Ibadan and post-graduate certifications from the University of Hull in the UK and Macquarie University in Australia, Fasoranti is credited with shaping generations of leaders as a teacher and administrator. Fayemi remarked that the Afenifere leader understood early on that the future of any society rests on the quality of its education and the moral character of its citizens.

The statement also touched on Fasoranti’s consistent advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria. Fayemi described the leader's vision of "true federalism" not as a mere political slogan, but as a necessary foundation for national stability and inclusive development.

Concluding his tribute, Dr. Fayemi, on behalf of his wife, Bisi, and his family, congratulated the centenarian, stating that in an era where values are increasingly contested, Chief Fasoranti’s life proves that true leadership is measured not by power or position, but by sacrifice, consistency, and fidelity to principle.

He noted that the nation celebrates a man whose life has enriched Nigeria’s democratic journey and strengthened the voice and aspirations of the Yoruba people.

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI 

...Says Ekiti ‘ll appreciate FG projects with massive votes for Tinubu

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has canvassed a peaceful conduct of the June 20 governorship election saying his re-election bid does not worth the blood of any citizen of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer spoke on Friday while addressing rallies at Emure, Ise/Orun and Ikere Local Government Areas in continuation of his campaign and statewide engagement with citizens and stakeholders ahead of the governorship poll.

Rounding off the campaign for the day in Ikere Ekiti, the Governor emphasised his stand against violent and bloody electioneering, urging members of his party to remain calm, work assiduously and reply the opposition with a resounding victory on June 20. 

The Governor noted that since he started the statewide citizens' engagements and campaign tour since Monday, there have been no record of violence anywhere and he wants the momentum of peaceful conduct and issue- based campaigns sustained throughout the electioneering period down till results are declared.

He had earlier in the day made a case for a peaceful and violence-free election at Emure Ekiti, his first port of call, where he appealed to APC members, members of other political parties and all citizens and residents of the state not to be involved in any act that could lead to loss of lives at the poll.

The Governor specifically stressed that his quest for a second term in office should not come at the expense of human lives as he hopes to secure a historic re-election under the atmosphere of peace and harmony for which the state has been famous under his watch.

Showing the statesman in him who prioritises the welfare of his people, Oyebanji again reiterated the readiness of his party and its teeming members to toe the line of peace before, during and after the election to allow for a successful conduct of the poll.

He said: "As we go back to our wards and polling units, let us be at peace with one another. The APC is a party of peace, a party of order and a party of process. We should not fight with anybody. We started the campaign on Monday and we have not had problem anywhere and that speaks to our party's love for peace and unity.

"Our ambition, my ambition and the ambition of every other person in Ekiti State do not worth the blood of any Ekiti man. By God's grace, this election will hold and we will all be alive and in good health when our government is re-elected. All of us shall have our share in the prosperity it will bring."

He used the opportunity of the Ikere rally to commend the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye whom she praised for her steadfastness, loyalty and being a good ambassador of the town and a co-pilot in the success story the administration has become so far.

The Governor said his administration's projects in Ikere including Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, agric project, Moshood Road and Ikere-Akure Highway executed by the President Bola Tinubu Administration should motivate the people to retain APC in power both at the state and the federal levels.

He urged party member to embark on aggressive membership drive and mobilisation by making friends with eligible voters with voter's cards for the minimum target of 500,000 winning vote tally to be realised.

Speaking in Emure Ekiti and Ise Ekiti, the Governor urged party leaders and members to work on non-party members and other citizens who possess voters' cards as the APC hopes to secure 80 percent of the votes of registered voters in the local government areas.

Scores of People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members joined the APC at the Emure rally hinging their action on the popularity of the Governor and the impact of his administration on the lives of the people.

Oyebanji said he was happy with the sense of appreciation of the people of Emure on projects delivered in the town which include roads, schools, youth in commercial agriculture, security of lives and property adding that the people of the state are benefiting from key projects executed by the Tinubu Administration.

He said: "As you all know, APC is a party of peace, law and order and we desire a peaceful election. My (second term) ambition does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man or woman. Let us be at peace with ourselves. I have absolute confidence in the ability of Emure electorates to vote wisely and vote for our party. 

"APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace , employment and amenities that make life easier for our people. Journey from Akure to Ikere now takes less than thirty minutes because of the work done on the road through President Tinubu.

"Ikere-Emure Road has been done and the only thing we can do to make our President happy is to vote for his party because APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. Let us sustain that and ensure the continuity of good things."

"The only thing we can do to say thank you to President Bola Tinubu is to vote for the party. APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. To ensure the continuity of all these things, we need to vote for APC.

"The target we set for our party is 177–0. We are expecting nothing less than 80% of the total registered voters. Let us go back to our wards and units to canvass for votes. If you vote for us, you have voted for progress and development."

Addressing the rally in Ise Ekiti, the Governor assured that work would soon start on Ise-Ijan Road to boost transport, commerce, agriculture and connect the local government area with other parts of the state.

He further disclosed the intention of his administration to commence on the Olowe Museum to boost arts, culture and tourism in the ancient town and its environs.

Describing Ise/Orun as critical to the success of the APC in the governorship poll, Oyebanji said the good work done in the council area since coming to office should galvanise the residents to cast their votes for the ruling party.

The Governor urged the people of the state to vote for the All Progressives Congress APC at the governorship election and presidential election because of positive impact in the lives of the citizens in terms of policies and projects executed so far.

All the spokespersons of the towns visited pledged massive delivery of votes in favour of the Governor and his party in appreciation of the benefits so far reaped from his administration.

The Governor during the tour paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers who all prayed for the realisation of his second term ambition. The monarchs all commended the Governor for living up to expectation since assumption of office in 2022.

The rallies were attended by House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon Adeniyi Ojuawo; House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon Femi Bamisile; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Bolaji Olagbaju; husband of the Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and other top officials of the campaign council.