The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday formally flagged off the re-election campaign of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, with a massive rally held at the 12,000-seater Ekiti Parapo Square in Ado-Ekiti.
The high-profile event drew an array of political heavyweights, including Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who chairs the APC National Campaign Council.
Former Ekiti governors, including Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, Segun Oni, and Niyi Adebayo, were also present, signaling rare bipartisan support and political unity.
In his welcome address, the Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Eleshin, described the rally as a strategic step toward electoral victory, revealing that the party had set an ambitious target of securing at least 500,000 votes for the governor.
He disclosed that over 5,000 canvassers had been mobilised, declaring that the era of “jamboree campaigns” was over.
Eleshin commended Oyebanji’s performance across sectors and assured party supporters that no effort would be spared in ensuring APC’s victory at the polls.
Speaking at the event, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Isaac Kekemeke, described the flag-off as the beginning of a decisive march toward electoral success.
He praised the state’s alignment with the Federal Government and highlighted ongoing infrastructural development, including the Ekiti airport project, urging party members to work toward achieving the set vote target.
On behalf of federal lawmakers from the state, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said the gathering reflected widespread confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.
He noted that the governor had demonstrated inclusiveness, unity, and grassroots connection, adding that the campaign would focus on showcasing his administration’s achievements rather than engaging in violence or negative rhetoric.
Former Governor Kayode Fayemi expressed appreciation to party members and residents for their continued support, recalling initial resistance to Oyebanji’s candidacy in 2022.
He noted that the governor’s performance had since won over critics, urging supporters not to be complacent but to run a campaign anchored on records and principles.
In a notable show of cross-party solidarity, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared his presence was driven by Ekiti interest.
While reaffirming his PDP membership, Fayose acknowledged Oyebanji’s leadership and declared that opposition politics in the state would resume after the governor’s re-election.
The Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, Governor Uba Sani, described the election as a renewal of the covenant between the government and the people.
He commended Oyebanji’s achievements in fiscal discipline, education, and infrastructure, noting that over 1,000 classrooms had been rehabilitated under his administration.
Sani further framed the election as critical to the future of Ekiti and linked it to broader national politics, describing it as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on behalf of APC governors, Hope Uzodinma reaffirmed their collective support for Oyebanji, describing him as a unifying figure who had fostered peace and development in the state.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that the governor had effectively won the election, citing the unity within the party and the administration’s achievements.
In his address, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters, particularly President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as deeply supportive of Ekiti.
He urged residents to demonstrate their appreciation by turning out in large numbers on election day to secure at least 500,000 votes for the APC.
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