Ajijola Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti APC Targets 600,000 Votes for Tinubu.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti APC Targets 600,000 Votes for Tinubu.

Chief Lateef Ajijola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for inaugurating the state’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a strategic step towards securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ajijola gave the commendation on Friday during the inauguration of the Ekiti State APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.

The ceremony brought together prominent political figures, including Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, former governors and deputy governors, members of the National Assembly, serving and former lawmakers, political appointees, local government chairmen and other stakeholders.

Also in attendance were governorship candidates of other political parties, reflecting a broad coalition of political interests in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Ajijola praised Oyebanji’s leadership and ability to unite political stakeholders across party lines, noting that the governor’s approach had strengthened the APC’s mobilisation drive and created an opportunity for the party to improve on its previous electoral performance.

He said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s determination to consolidate its political strength in Ekiti and mobilise voters at the grassroots ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Addressing members of the council, Oyebanji challenged them to move beyond organising rallies and campaigns to identifying and mobilising registered voters who failed to participate in previous elections.

The governor said the council must focus on voter tracking across polling units, particularly the more than 600,000 registered voters who did not participate in the June governorship election.

Oyebanji recalled that the APC secured 85.7 per cent of the votes cast in the governorship election but expressed concern that fewer than 400,000 people voted out of approximately one million registered voters.

He said the party should aim to secure at least 90 per cent of the total number of registered voters for Tinubu, describing anything short of the target as a collective failure by council members.

The governor also urged party leaders to intensify voter education and prepare for possible operational challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and electronic transmission of election results.

Ajijola further expressed confidence that the council, comprising experienced political leaders and grassroots mobilisers, would work towards delivering a strong electoral performance for the APC in Ekiti State.

He stressed the importance of effective coordination, strategic voter engagement and sustained grassroots mobilisation in achieving the party’s objectives ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT DISASSOCIATES ITSELF FROM SOWORE’S ALLEGED ORDEAL.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT DISASSOCIATES ITSELF FROM SOWORE’S ALLEGED ORDEAL.

The Ekiti State Government has dismissed allegations by the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Omoyele Sowore, linking the State Government to his reported attack at a food outlet in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

The Government would ordinarily have ignored the allegation, particularly in view of what it considers to be Sowore’s history of making unfounded claims, peddling fake news, and launching media attacks against the State Government over the past four years. However, as a responsible government, it considers it necessary to set the records straight and prevent members of the public from being misled.

While the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon and the Ekiti State Police Command have issued official statements on the incident, the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s visit and the reported altercation raise questions about the motive behind his actions. The Government, however, leaves the determination of the facts of the matter to the appropriate authorities.

It is particularly absurd, however, to suggest that a state widely recognised for the remarkably peaceful conduct of its recent governorship campaign and election would resort to harassing or hounding an inconsequential presidential candidate.  

The Ekiti State Government therefore dissociates itself totally from the incident and calls on the Police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The Government also wishes to reiterate its commitment to sustaining Ekiti State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country, founded on respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and tolerance of diverse social and political views.

The Government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all residents and visitors to the State, irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions.

ADDRESS ME SIMPLY AS “MR GOVERNOR”, OYEBANJI CAUTIONS SUPPORTERS AGAINST PRAISE-SINGING.

ADDRESS ME SIMPLY AS “MR GOVERNOR”, OYEBANJI CAUTIONS SUPPORTERS AGAINST PRAISE-SINGING.

…Says election is over, governance has begun.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned his supporters and political associates against excessive praise-singing and the use of grandiose political appellations, urging them to address him simply as “Mr Governor”.

The Governor maintained that all praises and accolades belong to God Almighty and that no political leader should be accorded attributes reserved for God.

Governor Oyebanji gave the admonition on Friday evening at the October edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

He said the period of political campaigns and elections had ended, stressing that the State had entered a new phase focused on governance, service delivery and the fulfilment of promises to the people.

Emphasising the need to avoid elevating political leaders to a status comparable to God, the Governor specifically disapproved of appellations such as “Jinx Breaker”, “Owi Bee, Se Bee”, “History Maker” and “Back to Back”, among others.

He said: “I think we have to put an end to all these appellations. Election is over, and from today, just address me as Mr Governor. I don’t want to hear all these appellations such as ‘Jinx Breaker’, ‘History Maker’ and all the rest.

“I permitted them because it was an election season. Election is over now, a new government has been sworn in, and we are in the era of governance. Politics is over. I don’t want anybody to equate me with God or give me an appellation that is an attribute of God.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji attributed the relative peace, stability and development recorded in Ekiti State, particularly over the last four years, to the grace of God.

He said the achievements of his administration and the peaceful atmosphere across the State were testimonies to God’s faithfulness and continued intervention in its affairs.

The Governor expressed confidence that the same God who had guided the State thus far would continue to sustain it, urging residents to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God for greater accomplishments.

“I love the theme of this month’s edition because this is the first Evening of Praise and Worship since this new administration was inaugurated, and the theme is apt. We are just here to praise God, and I know that as we praise God on behalf of Ekiti State, He will speak to us and also step into our situation,” the Governor said

Dignitaries at the programme included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; and President, Baptist Convention, Ekiti State, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹.

…𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟵𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the State’s  All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council with a charge to accelerate grassroots mobilisation and secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 The inauguration ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Governor's office in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, brought together key party leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeoye Aribasoye, former governors, former Deputy Governors, serving and former members of the national assembly and the state House of Assembly, serving federal political appointees, governorship candidates of other political parties, local government chairmen, and political stakeholders from across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Addressing members of the council shortly after the inauguration, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the critical task before the council is not organizing campaigns and rallies, but ensuring that registered voters who failed to participate in previous elections are identified and mobilized to vote. 

He said the focus should be on unit-by-unit tracking of registered voters across the State.

Reflecting on the state’s gubernatorial poll where the party secured 85.7% of total votes cast, Governor Oyebanji declared that anything short of 90 percent of total number of registered voters for President Tinubu would be a collective failure on the PCC members. 

"The real work is to get the voters registered in a unit and identify those who don't want to vote. Our focus should be on voter tracking."

Expressing concern over poor turnout figures during the governorship election in June, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the gap between one million registered voters and less than 400,000 citizens who actually voted, tasking the committee to discover why over 600,000 registered cardholders stayed at home, stressing the need to bring them to the polls in January to vote for the President.

Acknowledging potential operational obstacles with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission, the Governor urged party stakeholders to develop strategic workarounds through continuous voter education and mobilization.

“We don't like to do the heavy lifting. We want to do campaigns, arrange cars and drive round towns. We are notngoingbtonso that this time around. Our real work is to get the voters registered in each unit and identify those who have not come out to vote. After this inauguration, everybody should go out and agree on how we are going to do voter tracking. That is our job.

“We can’t have a quality collection of leaders like this, and still be sitting on 400,000 votes. That is something we should never contemplate. The most important assignment we have now is to track those voters, to track the 600,000 people who did not come out to vote and find out why they did not come out.” The Governor asserted.

Earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Barr. Sola Elesin charged members of the Council (PCC) to work assiduously towards securing unprecedented votes for President Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

The APC chairman described the assignment before the council members as a serious national responsibility, expressing confidence that their wealth of political experience and commitment would translate into victory for the President.

Elesin said members of the council had been carefully selected based on their pedigree and previous contributions and proven capacity to deliver electoral victories, urging them to deploy their wealth of experience, political networks and organisational abilities towards ensuring a resounding victory for the party.

He noted that the political landscape in Ekiti had witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration, with members of other political parties and some governorship candidates also joining the campaign effort. According to the party chairman, the growing coalition reflects the governor's ability to provide purposeful leadership, demonstrate humility and bring people together, thereby promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.

Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the council members, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, assured President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, of the readiness and commitment of members of to deliver an improved electoral performance for the party as he commended the Governor for ensuring that the composition of the council was comprehensive and inclusive of all relevant stakeholders.

He expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in the members through their appointments, noting that the inauguration marked the beginning of a serious assignment towards securing victory for President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. 

The Senate Leader however cautioned against taking the assignment with levity, stressing that the council was determined to surpass the previous electoral record and secure a significantly higher number of votes for the President in Ekiti State.

While also acknowledging the presence of governorship candidates from other political parties and other political leaders at the inauguration, Senator Bamidele described their participation as significant to the collective political effort to re-elect President Tinubu.

The Senate Leader welcomed them into the council's fold and urged them to feel at home, noting that many of them had shared political backgrounds and relationships with the APC before moving to other political platforms. He expressed optimism that their renewed political collaboration would produce a historic outcome that none of the stakeholders would regret.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji’s Capacity to Mobilise Massive Votes for Tinubu.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji’s Capacity to Mobilise Massive Votes for Tinubu.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ekiti State, Chief Lateef Ajijola, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence in the governor’s ability to mobilise unprecedented votes for the President in the state.

Ajijola gave the commendation during the inauguration of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Ekiti State, where Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to securing massive electoral support for Tinubu.

The APC chieftain praised the governor’s leadership and grassroots appeal, describing them as important factors that could strengthen the President’s re-election prospects in Ekiti State.

He noted that Oyebanji had consistently attributed the achievements of his administration to the benevolent leadership and support of President Tinubu, stressing that the governor’s position reflected the importance of cooperation between the state and federal governments.

Ajijola expressed optimism that the growing support for the APC in Ekiti State would translate into overwhelming votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

OYEBANJI TASKS EKITI APC STAKEHOLDERS ON TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION, TARGETS 80% VOTES FOR PRESIDENT.

OYEBANJI TASKS EKITI APC STAKEHOLDERS ON TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION, TARGETS 80% VOTES FOR PRESIDENT.

…As PBAT Door-to-Door Movement inaugurates Ekiti chapter, unveils 25 campaign vehicles.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the January 2027 presidential election, with a target of securing 80 per cent of registered voters’ support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor urged party stakeholders to strengthen their engagement with voters, particularly those who remain undecided, as part of efforts to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid.

Oyebanji spoke on Thursday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, during the inauguration of the Ekiti State chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the presentation of 25 campaign vehicles by the movement to support grassroots mobilisation across the state.

The movement, convened by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is seeking to expand support for President Tinubu through direct engagement with voters in communities across the country.

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the convener and members of the movement for their commitment to the President’s re-election campaign, assuring them that their investment in Ekiti State would be matched by sustained mobilisation efforts.

He urged APC members to work collectively and take the campaign to every community, stressing that victory at the polls would depend largely on direct engagement with voters at the grassroots.

The Governor also warned against voter apathy, particularly among eligible voters who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) but failed to participate in previous elections. He urged campaigners to identify such voters, engage them personally and encourage them to turn out on election day.

Oyebanji further challenged APC stakeholders in the state to demonstrate their appreciation for the support Ekiti had received from the Tinubu administration by mobilising support for the President in the forthcoming election.

He said the Federal Government’s support had contributed to his administration’s development efforts, adding that continued cooperation between the state and federal governments remained important to sustaining ongoing projects and programmes.

The Governor recalled the APC’s performance in the last governorship election, urging party members to sustain their mobilisation efforts and translate their support at the state level into votes for President Tinubu in January 2027.

He maintained that Ekiti should aim for at least 80 per cent of registered voters’ support for the President, describing the target as a challenge to party leaders and members in view of the Federal Government’s support for the state.

“This is a big challenge to us in Ekiti State. If someone from the Niger Delta can put up this structure, and as of today, they have visited 19 states and are still going to visit other states before the end of the campaign, then I challenge all of us here to support the President with our votes in January.

“I have always said that in our 30 years as a state, there has been no President who has been as fair and supportive to Ekiti as President Tinubu.

“We are extremely grateful, and we assure you that your investment in Ekiti State will not be in vain. I assure you that Ekiti will perform well and record an outstanding result in January. We are grateful for your visit and support, and we assure you that the vehicles will be deployed in a manner that will also support the work we are doing here,” the Governor said.

Earlier, the convener of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, said the donation of the 25 vehicles was intended to strengthen the movement’s grassroots mobilisation and extend its campaign message to communities across Ekiti State and other parts of the country.

Chief Ekpemupolo, who was represented by the Grand Patron of the PBAT Door To Door Movement, High Chief Kestin Pondi, called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu for a second term, arguing that the administration needed more time to consolidate its economic reforms and achieve its objectives.

According to him, the reforms had improved the capacity of state governments to meet financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, as well as the execution of development projects.

Ekpemukolo cited projects being undertaken in Ekiti State as evidence of the resources available to the government, attributing the development to the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.

He added that governors in the 19 states visited by the movement had similarly highlighted the impact of the reforms on their ability to meet financial obligations and implement projects. He argued that far-reaching economic reforms required time to deliver their full benefits and called for continuity to consolidate the policies.

The convener also challenged political aspirants seeking public office to explain how their programmes would improve the lives of Nigerians compared with the policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration.

He urged the APC leadership at the federal, state and local government levels to foster cooperation and ensure that the donated vehicles were effectively deployed for the movement’s activities.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the House of Assembly; APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Eleshin; and party stakeholders from the 16 local government areas of the state, among others.

Ekiti Baptist High School Wins Agbeyewa Cup 2026, and N1Million Prize.

Ekiti Baptist High School Wins Agbeyewa Cup 2026, and N1Million Prize.

Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, are the champions of the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup Secondary Schools Football Championship, after beating Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, 3–2 in a pulsating grand finale at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.

The Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi “Oska” Aiyeleso, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Bayode Lawrence Ogunmola, presented the winners with a ₦1 million cash prize, gold medals, a gold trophy and branded sports bags.

Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, the losing finalists, took home ₦750,000 and silver medals. Iluomoba Grammar School, Iluomoba-Ekiti, finished third after beating Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, on penalties in the third-place playoff. They received ₦500,000 and bronze medals, while Moba Grammar School collected ₦250,000 in consolation prize money for fourth place.

Speaking after the final, Mr. Aiyeleso said the Agbeyewa Cup was an initiative of the company’s Chairman, Dr. Niyi John Olajide, born of his commitment to giving back to Ekiti State through youth and sports development. “The successful conclusion of the fourth edition of the Agbeyewa Cup demonstrates what sustained commitment to our young people can achieve,” he said. “We are proud to continue our Chairman’s vision of using sports to bring schools and communities together, promote sportsmanship and provide opportunities for emerging talents.”

He disclosed that the long-term vision for the competition is the establishment of the Agbeyewa Academy, which would give talented young footballers a structured pathway to develop their skills and pursue wider opportunities. “We remain committed to building on the success of the tournament and making future editions even more impactful,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Ogunmola, who served as Chairman of the occasion, underscored the role of school sports in youth development. “The Agbeyewa Cup demonstrates the value of well-organised school sports in developing our young people,” he said. “Beyond competition, it promotes discipline, teamwork, talent discovery and positive engagement among students. We commend Agbeyewa Farms for this initiative and encourage sustained collaboration to strengthen school football across Ekiti State.”

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Oluwole Oloworemo, also praised the organisers, describing the Agbeyewa Cup as “the most well-organised football competition in Ekiti State.” He said the tournament was helping to “restore the lost glory of inter-secondary-school football,” likening it to the historic Principals’ Cup, which shaped school sports and community life in earlier decades.

Speaking on the tournament, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, described the Agbeyewa Cup as “a platform for nurturing young talents, bringing communities together, and strengthening our bond with the people we serve.” He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to initiatives that promote youth development and create lasting positive impacts in its host communities.

This year’s edition Fasaye Ayomide was named Most Valuable Player and Abdulahi Amisu was the Best Goalkeeper both from Ekiti Baptist High School. The tournament opened with  140 secondary schools competing across Ekiti State’s 16 Local Government Areas, culminating in a grand finale attended by students, football enthusiasts, government representatives and other stakeholders. Beyond the silverware, the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup gave young footballers a stage to showcase their talent and strengthened community ties across the state.