President Bola Tinubu has praised Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, describing him as a diligent and results-driven leader whose achievements in office have won him support across political lines.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said Oyebanji had shown through his performance that he was adequately prepared for leadership and deserved another term in office. He urged Ekiti voters to return the governor to power in Saturday’s governorship election.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign rally held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.
He commended residents of the state for their loyalty to the APC over the years, noting that Ekiti was fortunate to have a leader who had remained focused on development and inclusive governance.
The President said the projects commissioned during his recent visit to the state reflected the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of the people.
“You have a hardworking governor. The presence of former governors here today in support of him speaks volumes,” Tinubu said.
“I commissioned several projects in Ekiti recently, and they clearly demonstrate his dedication to the growth and development of the state.”
The President, who attended the rally alongside 18 APC governors and 24 senators, said Oyebanji’s leadership style had shown that governance should serve the people rather than oppress them.
According to him, the governor has maintained strong relationships with farmers, traders, students and other groups across the state while leading with humility and patience.
“Governor Oyebanji understands what leadership is all about. He respects leaders, traditional rulers and the people. He came prepared for governance and has kept the machinery of government focused on citizens,” he said.
Tinubu recalled seeing one of the country’s longest flyovers during his visit to the state, describing it as evidence of the governor’s performance.
He also pointed to Oyebanji’s cordial relationship with former governors and political leaders as proof of his inclusive approach to governance.
“I have travelled around the state and hardly saw opposition posters. That shows his wide acceptance among the people. On Saturday, come out and vote for this humble and peaceful leader so he can continue serving you,” he added.
In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu presented the APC flagbearer to former governors and former first ladies, urging them to work together to secure victory for the party in the election.
Akpabio, Governors Back Oyebanji
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as a humble and peaceful governor whose achievements have earned national recognition.
He said the governor had won the confidence of market women, traditional rulers, students and other groups through his style of administration.
“Governor Oyebanji is trustworthy, hardworking and supportive of women. His performance is visible to everyone. On Saturday, go out and vote for him. Next year, support President Tinubu again,” Akpabio said.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious.
He said Oyebanji’s popularity across the state was unmatched and praised his efforts in education, workers’ welfare, transportation, road construction and human capital development.
Sani urged residents to deliver an overwhelming mandate for the governor to ensure continued development.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also chairs the APC Governors’ Forum, said governors elected on the party’s platform were united in their support for Oyebanji.
He noted that the level of support the governor enjoys across the state reflected public satisfaction with his administration.
“In this election, APC is the only party visible on the ground. The party has taken its campaign to communities, markets and homes. The governor’s popularity and achievements are clear for all to see,” Uzodinma said.
APC National Chairman Predicts Victory
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party was confident of victory because of Oyebanji’s strong connection with the people.
He credited the governor’s popularity to his achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
“You built roads, provided scholarships and improved healthcare. The people have seen your work and are ready to reward you with their votes,” he said.
Oyebanji Seeks Fresh Mandate
Responding, Governor Oyebanji said he was relying on his record in office rather than federal influence to secure re-election.
He said his administration had remained faithful to the promises made during the 2022 campaign and urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully during the election.
The governor assured voters that a second term would bring even greater achievements than those recorded during his first tenure.
Fayose Explains Support
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose said he decided to support Oyebanji because of his ability to unite political stakeholders in the state.
He praised the governor’s leadership style and urged him to remain committed to fostering unity among Ekiti people.
Fayose expressed confidence that Oyebanji would make history by becoming the first governor in the state to secure consecutive re-election victories.
Several prominent political figures attended the rally, including governors, senators, former governors, ministers and senior APC officials from across the country.
