A lively event unfolded on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, as members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the Central Senatorial District publicly endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.
The endorsement was spearheaded by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and former Deputy Governor Professor Modupe Adelabu.
The APC leaders praised Oyebanji for his positive contributions to the state over the past two and a half years, expressing confidence that he deserves re-election in the 2026 governorship race.
During the endorsement event, Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to the party leaders and stakeholders for their support. He affirmed that he was not concerned about any competition in the upcoming election.
“I am not afraid of competition; whoever wants to run should come forward and do so,” Oyebanji said. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that additional resources were made available to states, which, according to the governor, facilitated the execution of significant projects across all 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti.
“We are grateful for this honor; we are touched by this endorsement. I don’t know what to say other than to bless you from the bottom of my heart,” Oyebanji remarked. “What is happening today is historic. I thank the party leaders for giving us this platform, and I also thank President Tinubu because, without his support, these achievements would not have been possible.”
The governor further emphasized the impact of President Tinubu’s reforms, which he said enabled the state to utilize available resources for development. He also acknowledged the National Assembly, particularly Senate Leader Bamidele, for being instrumental in the state’s progress.
Oyebanji concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people, emphasizing that the endorsement did not preclude others from contesting under the APC’s platform.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, explained that the endorsement was a public confirmation of earlier discussions held privately, without the governor’s prior knowledge. He highlighted the governor’s major achievement of uniting the state’s political leaders, which has contributed to Ekiti’s political stability.
“We decided to do this publicly to reaffirm what we had discussed privately. We appreciate the importance of continuity for sustainable development. Ekiti State has never had it this good,” Bamidele stated. “The most significant achievement of Oyebanji’s administration is his ability to unite everyone under one platform. We are here to celebrate him as a senatorial district and to acknowledge his accomplishments in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.”
Professor Modupe Adelabu, Chairman of the Ekiti Central Elders’ Forum of the APC, shared that the purpose of the gathering was to honor Governor Oyebanji’s achievements and endorse him for a second term.
“Governor Oyebanji has delivered numerous projects for the betterment of Ekiti residents, making him worthy of continuing to govern the state beyond 2026,” Professor Adelabu remarked.
