Ekiti Election: Shettima, 18 Governors, and Others Rally Behind Oyebanji

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

ADO‑EKITI — Vice President Kashim Shettima, 18 governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, 24 senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives gathered in Ekiti State to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

The campaign’s final event drew thousands of party loyalists and supporters from all 16 local government areas of the state. Former governors of Ekiti, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and governors from Imo, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ondo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kogi, Bayelsa, Ogun and other states were in attendance.

Speaking at the rally, the Vice President praised Governor Oyebanji as a hardworking, result‑oriented leader whose performance has earned admiration across political lines.

Shettima said: “You have a very hardworking Governor. All former governors are here to support him. I have commissioned several projects in Ekiti and these are testaments to his commitment to developing Ekiti State.”

Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, also spoke, noting that the APC remains the dominant political force in Ekiti. He cited the party’s overwhelming support across the state.

“We saw enormous support for BAO across the 16 local government areas. APC is the only party that can campaign from house to house. We are not responsible for the failure of the opposition in Ekiti State. I urge you to support BAO and President Bola Tinubu. Shun violence; we are confident of what we have seen today. We can see in every home that BAO has done well,” he said.

In a symbolic gesture of bipartisan support, former governor Ayodele Fayose praised Oyebanji’s inclusive style of governance, expressing confidence that Oyebanji would make history at the polls.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also lauded Oyebanji’s leadership, describing him as humble, trustworthy and gender‑sensitive.

He said: “The reason we have gathered here is to support not only a performing governor but a humble man. He is gender‑sensitive and we are here to support the women of Ekiti. From the airport down here, we have not seen a single pothole. Oyebanji is trustworthy, humble and a performer. He loves Ekiti people and the youths have said so. There’s no former governor that is not here. What we are seeing here is what democracy should be. Go out and vote. Don’t say he has already won. Shun violence and display peace. You are among the most peaceful people in Nigeria.”

In response, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of the state and APC leaders for their confidence in his administration.

The governor said: “A few years ago, we made a promise to you that we were going to serve you well and I believe we have done well. These are things you can see and touch and we are ready to do more. My appeal to you is to go out and cast your votes. Be at peace with yourselves, let us go out that day to cast our votes and celebrate democracy.”

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