- APC leaders in Ekiti State endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for second terms during a strategic meeting in Iyin-Ekiti
- Former governors Fayemi and Adebayo urged party unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections
- Governor Oyebanji called for inclusive politics and pledged continued development, promising not to tolerate internal division within the party
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State have unanimously reaffirmed their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second terms in office.
The declaration was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the country home of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo in Iyin-Ekiti. The gathering was convened to assess the party's preparations ahead of the October 17 governorship primary election and future electoral contests.
Present at the meeting were two former governors of the state, Chief Niyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi; Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; alongside other National Assembly members, state legislators, local government chairmen, and prominent party stakeholders.
The motion for the reaffirmation of President Tinubu's candidacy was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Hon. Olusola Fatoba, member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1. Similarly, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, moved the motion to reaffirm Governor Oyebanji’s endorsement, which was seconded by Chief Whip Bose Olowookere. Both motions were ratified through a unanimous voice vote.
In their separate remarks, former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi emphasised the importance of unity and strategic planning ahead of the 2026 governorship election. They urged members not to be complacent and to ensure inclusiveness within the party, which they said is key to securing victory in future elections.
Dr Fayemi praised Governor Oyebanji’s performance, expressing confidence in his re-election prospects. He assured stakeholders of his continued loyalty to the APC and pledged to use his influence and resources to support the governor's bid.
“Oyebanji has done well for the state and the people. I don’t see any major challenge in the forthcoming primary, but every stakeholder must begin to mobilise from the grassroots,” Fayemi said. He also expressed hope that Oyebanji’s administration would mark the first successful transition to a second term in the state's history, breaking the long-standing one-term jinx.
Senator Bamidele, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly members, pledged their unwavering support to Governor Oyebanji and promised to rally efforts towards his re-election.
In his response, Governor Oyebanji thanked the stakeholders for their continued support and reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and developmental strides. He appealed for unity within the party and called for an end to any form of intimidation or division based on political aspirations.
“We are one big family and we should see ourselves as one. Let everyone pursue his or her aspirations without any form of molestation. We will all work together for victory in the general election,” the governor stated.
He described the October 17 primary as a critical foundation for the 2026 governorship and 2027 presidential elections, expressing optimism that the state would experience a new era of continuity and development.
Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Olusola Elesin, said the meeting served as a strategic forum to evaluate the party’s preparedness for upcoming elections and to reinforce internal cohesion. He praised Governor Oyebanji and other party leaders for their support of the party secretariat project, adding that the governor’s track record would significantly boost APC’s chances at the polls.
Nigeria is gambling with leadership selection — Gov Oyebanji
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State expressed deep concern over Nigeria's ongoing "gamble" with leadership selection, describing it as a precarious "try-by-error" system.
Speaking at the on Wednesday, October 9 at the 11th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, titled “Leadership in Nigeria and its Impact on the Next Generation,” Oyebanji advocated for integrating leadership training and mentorship into the national education curriculum.
