Tinubu urges support for Oyebanji’s re‑election in Ekiti 2026

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti voters to cast a large number of ballots for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 gubernatorial election. The appeal was delivered in Ado‑Ekiti at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Grand Finale Mega Rally, with Vice President Kashim Shettima standing in for the president.

President Tinubu said that re‑electing Oyebanji would safeguard the state’s peace, progress and future. He described the ticket of Governor Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye as one of balance, experience and continuity, and urged voters to see the election as “a gate to a larger Nigerian journey” rather than a routine contest.

“The task before you is simple, sacred, and historic. Go out and vote. Speak to your neighbours, families, wards, unions, communities and friends. Tell them that continuity in Ekiti is not a favour to one man. It is an investment in the peace, progress, and future of this state.”

“So, I ask you, sons and daughters of this proud land, to march to the polling units in your numbers and cast your votes for Biodun Oyebanji and his worthy Deputy, Mrs Afuye. Give them the mandate to finish the work they have so faithfully begun. Stand with them as steadfastly as they have stood with you.”

He highlighted the large crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion as evidence that the people support the APC and the federal government. Tinubu praised Governor Oyebanji for his dedication to the welfare of Ekiti residents, his humility, patience and respectful listening. He said the governor had “come prepared,” respected elders, institutions and the young, and had focused on building bridges, strengthening trust and keeping government service‑oriented.

The president described the joint ticket as having “worked” and therefore deserved renewal. He added that APC stability results from the sacrifices of leaders like Oyebanji, who understand that disciplined politics prevents confusion and ambition without order harms the people.

President Tinubu assured Ekiti voters that the federal government would collaborate with the governor to deepen development, expand opportunities, support enterprise, strengthen security and broaden the path to shared prosperity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called Governor Oyebanji “the most friendly parliamentary governor in Nigeria” and urged voters to look for the broom symbol on the ballot, equating it with a vote for continuity of good governance.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda praised Oyebanji’s achievements in education, health care delivery and infrastructure, noting the roads the governor had built and encouraging voters to “take a bow and take your votes.”

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support since taking office in 2023. He appealed to the people to avoid all forms of violence before, during and after the election, reminding them of the social contract entered four years ago and urging them to vote for the APC, whose symbol is the broom.

Before the rally, Tinubu paid homage to the Ewi of Ado‑Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, thanking the traditional ruler and urging cooperation with the governor to develop Ekiti. The Ewi expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts to boost the education sector and praised the establishment of NELFUND, which has helped many Ekiti indigenes.

Tinubu also met members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council at Government House, assuring them of continued federal support. The council chairman and the Ogoga of Ikere‑Ekiti, Oba Adu‑Adejimi Alagbado, thanked the president for visiting Ekiti, calling it a sign of his affection for the state. The traditional ruler pledged the support of all traditional leaders for President Tinubu’s administration, the re‑election of Governor Oyebanji and the president’s second term.

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