President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, urging Ekiti voters to re-elect him in the June 20 governorship election, citing his performance and people-centred leadership.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Tinubu said Oyebanji had demonstrated preparedness for governance and remained committed to policies that improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
The rally, held at the packed Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, attracted thousands of supporters, party leaders and political stakeholders from across the country, reflecting the broad support behind the governor’s re-election campaign.
Tinubu praised Oyebanji’s humility, inclusiveness and cordial relationship with political leaders, traditional rulers, farmers, traders and other groups in the state. He noted that the governor’s achievements in infrastructure and governance had earned him widespread acceptance among Ekiti people.
The President pointed to ongoing development projects, including major road infrastructure, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the state and urged voters to return him to office for another term.
In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu handed Oyebanji over to former governors and political leaders present at the rally, charging them to work towards delivering victory for the APC candidate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as a humble, peaceful and result-oriented leader whose achievements have attracted national recognition. He called on Ekiti residents to support both Oyebanji and the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, said Oyebanji had recorded remarkable achievements in education, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, transportation and human capital development, making him deserving of another term.
Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, also expressed confidence in the governor’s re-election prospects, saying his popularity and performance had made the APC the dominant political force in the state.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, maintained that Oyebanji’s strong connection with the people and his developmental projects would secure victory for him at the polls.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji said his confidence ahead of the election was based on his record of performance and fulfilment of campaign promises rather than any form of political advantage. He assured residents that a second term would bring even greater development to the state.
In a notable show of bipartisan support, former Ekiti State Governor and PDP leader, Ayodele Fayose, endorsed Oyebanji, praising his ability to unite political leaders and maintain peace across the state. Fayose predicted that the governor would achieve a historic re-election victory.
The rally was attended by 18 governors, more than 24 senators, former governors, ministers, party leaders and other prominent political figures, further underscoring the strong backing behind Oyebanji’s second-term ambition.
