Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election for a second term, citing widespread support from citizens and stakeholders across the state.
The governor made the announcement on Monday during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress Central Working Committee at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti. Oyebanji said the decision followed encouragement from various segments of society, including traditional rulers, professional groups, civil servants, artisans, youth bodies, market associations, transport unions, and political leaders from across party lines.
He emphasized the need to build on the progress made in his first term and to continue delivering effective governance. While thanking the APC leadership for their confidence in his administration, Oyebanji stated that he had fulfilled all campaign promises made to the party and the people of Ekiti within his first three years in office.
Highlighting the unity within the APC in the state, Oyebanji stressed that the party remains “one big family” with no internal divisions. He also reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for former governors of the state, whom he referred to as the party’s foundational leaders.
“Their contributions to the growth and stability of our party in Ekiti are invaluable,” he said, assuring that his administration will continue to honour them as elder statesmen.
Oyebanji pledged to keep the APC attractive to the electorate and encouraged all interested aspirants within the party to contest freely for the governorship ticket. He also urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the June 2026 gubernatorial election.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to Ekiti State, noting that the President’s economic policies have accelerated development in the region.
“Let me start by appreciating you, thank you for your support, endurance and for holding the party. On behalf of myself, the Deputy Governor and other political office holders, we are extremely grateful for your prayers and understanding, and I also thank you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement.
“Let me also assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of the APC; our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership.
“I will also use this opportunity to inform you that I have listened to you and I am formally informing the party that I will run for a second term. So, I plead for your support and prayers and by His grace, I will continue to respect you,” the governor stated.
His declaration was met with loud applause and cheers from party members in attendance.
In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, praised Governor Oyebanji for his leadership style, humility, and dedication to the party’s unity and the state’s development. He described the governor as a unifying figure who has won the admiration of party members and the general public through his inclusive governance and respect for party structures.
Elesin also credited the peaceful environment within the APC to Oyebanji’s commitment to dialogue and consensus-building.
Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, among others.
