Party chairman, governors, And Senate leader cite performance, unity, and infrastructure as key reasons for confidence ahead of June 20 poll
ADO EKITI — The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed strong confidence that Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, will secure re-election in the forthcoming June 20, 2026 governorship election, describing the contest as effectively decided based on the governor’s performance and widespread public support.
Yilwatda made the remarks on Monday during the official flag-off of the APC governorship campaign held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti. The event drew a large crowd of party supporters, stakeholders, and political leaders from across the country.
According to the APC chairman, the party’s national leadership is satisfied with Oyebanji’s achievements over the past three and a half years and is fully committed to supporting his bid for a second term. He emphasized that continuity in governance would further benefit the people of Ekiti State.
He also dismissed opposition parties and their candidates as lacking the strength to compete effectively against the incumbent governor and the APC, predicting a decisive victory at the polls.
The endorsement was echoed by members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as well as the APC National Campaign Council chaired by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.
In a show of rare political unity, former Ekiti State governors — Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi — also publicly declared their support for Oyebanji’s re-election. They urged voters to return him and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, to office to sustain ongoing development initiatives.
Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Yilwatda pointed to improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and security. He commended Oyebanji for fostering unity among diverse ethnic and cultural groups within the state and described Ekiti as one of the most secure states in Nigeria.
He further encouraged residents to come out en masse on election day to vote, expressing confidence that the governor’s performance would translate into electoral success.
Speaking on behalf of APC governors, Uzodimma noted that Oyebanji has successfully unified previously divided political interests in the state, a development he described as critical for stability and progress. He added that supporting Oyebanji also aligns with backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader development agenda.
Similarly, Governor Uba Sani praised Oyebanji’s leadership, citing significant investments in infrastructure, including over 350 kilometers of roads across the state, as well as improvements in primary healthcare and public education. He described the governor as one of the top-performing leaders in the country and assured voters that the election would focus on development rather than political rivalry.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji told supporters that his administration has fulfilled the promises made during the 2022 election campaign. He credited President Tinubu for supporting key infrastructure projects in the state, including the reconstruction of major roads such as Ado-Akure, Ado-Ifaki, and Ado-Aramoko.
Oyebanji called on voters to show appreciation by delivering a strong mandate for his re-election, setting a target of at least 500,000 votes.
Also speaking at the event, Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti APC Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described Oyebanji as a leader who understands development and has positively impacted the lives of Ekiti residents. He assured that the campaign would focus on constructive engagement rather than negative politics.
The campaign flag-off was attended by several high-profile APC figures, including the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, party executives, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.
The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for June 20, 2026.
