By Seyi Odewale
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday formally launched Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election campaign in Ekiti State, with party leaders, governors, and former state governors declaring his 2026 governorship victory virtually assured.
At a massive rally held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Governor Oyebanji’s performance in office and broad-based popularity had already positioned him for a second term.
Yilwatda stated that the APC national leadership was fully satisfied with Oyebanji’s record over the past three and a half years and would provide unwavering support for his re-election bid.
“On behalf of the National Working Committee and APC members nationwide, we stand with you today to say that this election is already won,” he declared.
He praised Oyebanji for fostering unity across ethnic and political divides, expanding infrastructure, improving agriculture, and strengthening security in the state.
“For building roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and ensuring food security and peace, Governor Oyebanji deserves another term,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman dismissed opposition parties as incapable of mounting a serious challenge, urging Ekiti voters to support the governor in the June 20 governorship election massively.
The endorsement was echoed by the Progressive Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and the APC National Campaign Council, chaired by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Uzodimma said Oyebanji’s ability to unify Ekiti’s political landscape made him deserving of re-election.
“If you vote for Governor Oyebanji, you have voted for continuity, stability, and the progressive ideals of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described Oyebanji as one of Nigeria’s most effective governors, citing his achievements in road construction, education, healthcare, and grassroots development.
“This is the time to move forward, not backwards. Ekiti needs continuity,” Sani said.
In a significant show of political consensus, former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi also endorsed Oyebanji’s second-term ambition.
Addressing supporters, Governor Oyebanji said his administration had fulfilled the social contract signed with the Ekiti people in 2022 and credited President Bola Tinubu for major federal infrastructure support in the state.
“We were here in 2022 to sign a contract with you, and by God’s grace, we have fulfilled it,” Oyebanji said.
He urged voters to reward his administration’s performance with overwhelming support at the polls.
“The way to repay this progress is to come out on June 20 and vote massively for continuity,” he added.
Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described Oyebanji as a “round peg in a round hole,” insisting the election would focus on development rather than divisive politics.
The campaign flag-off attracted top APC figures, lawmakers, political stakeholders, and thousands of supporters, signalling a united front as the party intensifies efforts to retain power in Ekiti.
