ABUJA— It was a carnival of colours, chants, and thunderous ovations at the APC National Secretariat on Wednesday as Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), stormed Abuja to submit his expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In what many described as a historic moment, Oyebanji openly declared his mission to break Ekiti’s one-term governorship “jinx”, which has lingered since the state’s creation in 1996.
“Since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has done a straight second term. That jinx has retarded our development. By the grace of God, I have a divine mandate to break it — and break it we shall,” Oyebanji declared, sending the crowd into wild jubilation.
The governor, who credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal reforms for empowering states, said APC’s dominance in Ekiti had placed the party on the threshold of history.
“As I speak today, APC in Ekiti is practically a one-party state. What we need is continuity so that our gains will not be reversed,” he stressed, urging the party leadership to ensure a fair and disciplined primary.
Highlighting his achievements, Oyebanji pledged to consolidate reforms in education, healthcare, and job creation, promising to make Ekiti a national model.
“Education remains the pride of our people. With another mandate, we will strengthen schools, empower teachers, and give our children the global edge,” he assured.
The event took a dramatic turn when Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, mounted the podium to declare total support for Oyebanji’s second-term ambition.
“All three senators, six House of Reps members, 26 state lawmakers, and all local government chairmen are here. These are statutory delegates. Ekiti is united behind this government,” Bamidele announced.
In what observers described as a political earthquake, Bamidele further revealed that even opposition heavyweights were crossing lines to back Oyebanji.
“Former Governor Ayo Fayose sent his 2022 candidate to pledge support, while former Senator Biodun Olujimi has joined the APC and endorsed Oyebanji. This is the first time Ekiti’s political gladiators are united on one page,” he disclosed.
Political watchers say Oyebanji’s ability to combine infrastructure with human capital development has earned him rare bipartisan loyalty.C
“Come October 27, during the primaries, you will see why Ekiti people insist that BAO must continue. We are on the cusp of history,” Bamidele told journalists with confidence.