Ekiti 2026: APC Inaugurates Campaign Council, Ogunleye Expresses Confidence in Oyebanji’s Re-election.

Ekiti 2026: APC Inaugurates Campaign Council, Ogunleye Expresses Confidence in Oyebanji’s Re-election.

The All Progressives Congress has inaugurated the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council ahead of the June 20, 2026 gubernatorial election, a move party stakeholders say has further strengthened confidence in the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The campaign council, which comprises prominent political leaders and stakeholders across the state, is chaired by the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, whose experience and understanding of Ekiti’s political landscape are expected to guide the party’s campaign strategy.

Reacting to the development, Architect Tope Ogunleye commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress for assembling what he described as a formidable and inclusive structure capable of delivering victory for the party.

Ogunleye said the composition of the council reflected the strength, unity, and strategic depth of the APC in Ekiti State, noting that the inclusion of experienced party leaders and grassroots mobilisers would ensure a coordinated and effective campaign.

According to him, the appointment of Bamidele as chairman of the council is a testament to his proven leadership and commitment to the progress of the state.

He expressed confidence that under Bamidele’s leadership, the council would mobilise party members across the state, consolidate grassroots support, and effectively communicate the achievements of the Oyebanji administration to the electorate.

Ogunleye added that the inauguration of the council signalled that the governor’s second-term ambition remained firmly on course, stressing that Oyebanji’s performance in office had continued to attract admiration and support from residents across political and social divides.

He also noted that the governor’s inclusive leadership style, development-driven agenda, and people-oriented policies had laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the state.

Ogunleye said these achievements would form a major part of the APC’s campaign message as the party seeks a renewed mandate from voters in the forthcoming election.

He therefore called on party members and supporters across the 16 local government areas of the state to rally behind the campaign council to ensure victory for the APC at the polls.

“With the calibre of personalities assembled in the campaign council and the leadership of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, there is no doubt that the APC is well positioned to secure victory on June 20, 2026,” he said.

He further urged party faithful to remain united and committed throughout the campaign period, emphasising that unity within the party remained key to electoral success.

The inauguration of the campaign council marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the governorship election, with supporters expressing optimism that Governor Oyebanji will secure a second term to continue the developmental strides across Ekiti State.

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Ekiti Guber: We’ll Deliver 90 percent of Total Votes Cast - Senate Leader.

Ekiti Guber: We’ll Deliver 90 percent of Total Votes Cast - Senate Leader.

…As APC Inaugurates Campaign Council for Oyebanji’s re-election.

The 57-member Ekiti APC Governorship Election Campaign Council was inaugurated in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, with a pledge by the Chairman of the Council and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure not less than 90 percent of the total votes cast in the June 20, governorship election in the State.

Senator Bamidele who noted the pedigree of  each member of the council, said they were carefully selected to ensure victory for the party and its flagbearer, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

He said members of the campaign council would work assiduously across the State, mobilise voters and consolidate on the achievements of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration to ensure the party wins overwhelmingly at the June election.

Stressing that Governor Oyebanji has made the work of the Campaign Council a lot easier through his people-oriented programmes and impressive performance, Senator Bamidele said the APC will not only win the coming election, but would record an unprecedentedly huge numbers of votes.

He explained that Ekiti State has enjoyed cohesion, peace, stability politically and socially since the inception of the Oyebanji’s administration, adding that the Governor has provided transformative leadership that accommodates the interests of all regardless of political, ideological and religious affiliations.

Speaking further, the Senate Leader also hinted that the party has also designed a mobilisation plan to deliver at least 10 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southwest and would use the Ekiti election as a platform to demonstrate its strength and readiness ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

While urging members of the campaign council and party members to remain united, intensify grassroots mobilisation and work collectively to achieve the target of securing 90 percent of the votes cast at the poll, the Senate leader stressed that consistent efforts and commitment would be essential to securing a decisive win.

Senator Bamidele said: “We are all witnesses to enviable governance records that have been achieved since this journey started in October 2022. Within this timeframe, Ekiti State has enjoyed cohesion, peace and stability, politically and socially. Governor Oyebanji has been providing transformative leadership that accommodates the interests of all regardless of their political, ideological and religious affiliations and because of this, will not only ensure victory for our party, we will also ensure that our party will record at least 90 percent of the total votes cast in the election”. He stated.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who thanked the leadership of the party for ensuring the campaign council is inclusive and representative of all stakeholders, said the arrangement would further strengthen the party’s unity and provide a solid foundation for a successful campaign.

The Governor promised that his campaign will be focused on issues, conducted decently and violence free.

Warning against complacency or assuming victory before the polls, Governor Oyebanji said the target is to secure over 500,000 votes, emphasizing that this would further reflect the confidence of the electorate in his leadership as well as in the performance of the APC-led government.

“I must thank the party for putting list together, I am grateful to you because it is inclusive and touches all sectors, I am so happy that the party did a very good job.. As your candidate, I stand here to affirm to you that our campaign will be issue- based, it will be decent, matured and violence free. We have enough to campaign with and we are going to campaign on the strength of the President and our performance at this level.

“I want to reiterate, because I keep hearing people say something like you don’t have problem, you have won.  I don’t want us to go along that line. We should approach this election as if we are the underdog, I am pleading with all of us, we should give this election the seriousness it deserves. We want to make a statement on June 20. We want tell Mr President that come 2027, we shall deliver an unprecedented huge number of votes. Our target for this coming election, as a party is nothing less than 500,000 votes. So, we cannot afford to be complacent, the Governor stated.

The State Chairman of the Party, Barr. Sola Elesin had earlier in his welcome address, charged members to actively engage with the grassroots across the state, stressing that direct interaction with voters is very key in building support for the party and its candidate.

He also called on political appointees and office holders to provide full support to the council, stressing that every stakeholder had a role to play in ensuring the campaign’s success.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye,  members of the National and State House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, representatives of youths and students bodies.

Residents Commend Oyebanji’s Ounje Ekiti Food Initiative.

Residents Commend Oyebanji’s Ounje Ekiti Food Initiative.

Residents of Ekiti State have commended the State Government for its efforts at alleviating poverty and improving food accessibility through the sale of food items at reduced rates under the Ilu Eye Food Programme tagged Ounje Ekiti.

A cross section of residents who patronise the programme described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it has enabled many households to purchase essential food commodities at affordable prices.

Some of the residents who bought food items at the outlets located at Shasha BAO, Agric Olope and the Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA) at the Old Governor’s Office premises in Ado-Ekiti, including Mrs. Oba Bolanle, Mr. Ategbero Julius, Mrs. Ronke Lawal and Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha, praised the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for introducing the initiative.

They noted that the availability of rice, maize, beans and garri at reduced prices has helped ease the burden of rising food costs on residents.

The beneficiaries, however, appealed to the state government to extend the outlets to other parts of the state so that more people can benefit from the programme.

They also urged the government to include additional food commodities in the initiative to further support households across the state.

Speaking on the initiative, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, explained that the Ounje Ekiti Initiative was conceived by the state government as part of its strategic response to food insecurity and post-harvest losses.

According to him, the programme focuses on enhancing food storage, aggregation and efficient distribution of farm produce to ensure that residents have access to affordable food items while also supporting farmers to sell their produce.

Mr. Boluwade added that the state government is already taking steps to expand the outlets across the state in order to improve accessibility and ensure that more residents benefit from the programme.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA), Mr. Adedayo Alofe, said the objective of making food available and affordable for members of the public is gradually being realised through the steady patronage recorded at the various outlets.

He charged other residents to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that measures have been put in place to attend to more customers and sustain the initiative.

Similarly, the Director of Marketing Operations of the agency, Mrs. Adegboye Olubusola, disclosed that measures were being put in place to discourage hoarding of food items by customers in order to ensure fair distribution and allow more residents benefit from the programme.

Also speaking, the Technical Assistant to the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Omowaye Babatope, noted that the initiative has also provided an avenue for farmers to market their produce, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain and boosting the local economy.

The Ounje Ekiti programme forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote food security, support farmers and cushion the effects of rising food prices on residents of the state.

Ex-Lawmaker Opts out of House of Representatives Race.

Ex-Lawmaker Opts out of House of Representatives Race.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Ijero/Efon/Ekiti West Federal Constituency, Hon Wumi Ogunlola, has declared she would not contest the National Assembly seat in the forthcoming election slated for January 2027.

Ogunlola, while currently serves as a member of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) made the declaration on Friday in Ado-Ekiti during a press conference with journalists and political stakeholders.

She said the decision was taken after careful consideration of her current responsibilities and the need to continue serving the state in her present capacity.

The former lawmaker said her choice was also influenced by the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission requiring political appointees seeking elective offices in the coming elections to resign before contesting.

According to her, resigning from her present position in order to contest the House of Representatives’ election would affect ongoing efforts and commitments she currently handles.

She however assured her followers and stakeholders in her federal constituency in Ekiti Central II that she would continue to work towards the development of the areas in addition to sustaining her various empowerment and intervention programmes for the people. 

“I have carefully reflected on the situation and decided that I will not be contesting for the House of Representatives or any other elective position for now,” she said.

Ogunlola added that her decision was guided by the interest of Ekiti State and the need to sustain the contributions she is currently making to the development of the state.

The former federal lawmaker also appreciated the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and her supporters across the constituency for their continued trust and understanding of her decision.

Oyebanji unveils 5,000 canvassers for Tinubu’s re-election.

Oyebanji unveils 5,000 canvassers for Tinubu’s re-election.

…hinges administration’s success on President’s support.

Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship and January 20, 2027 presidential election, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Friday inaugurated a group of 5,000 community canvassers as a significant step towards a massive mobilization of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Governor Oyebanji at  the event, hinged the success of his administration to the massive support the he received from the president.

Addressing the crowd at the colourful event which took place at the Fajuyi pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of the two elections at both the state and national levels noting that the June 20, 2026 election would stand as a litmus test of strength for the January 2027 presidential election.

Governor Oyebanji also stressed the need for the party to consolidate its dominance in the state as well as nationally saying he will continue to leverage on his government’s achievements in infrastructural development, agriculture and food security, welfare programmes among others to win over voters during the two elections.

He added that the community canvassers are being inaugurated in preparation for a strong campaign, focusing on grassroots mobilization, door-to-door engagement, and youth-driven strategies with each of the 5,000 canvassers targeting in at least 25 voters each.

The Governor, who commended the genuineness and the patience of the canvassers stressed the need for them to be connected with the electorate to enable them achieve their mandate of 25 voters per canvasser as he was confident that APC will corner no fewer than 500,000 votes in the governorship election and at least 700,000 votes for president Tinubu in 2027.

While also affirming that elections have gone scientific, the Governor posited that the person to person communication would allow the canvassers identify the voters before election and be able to ensure that they all come out physically during the election.

“You are not APC members, you are volunteers, people that were brought together by conviction and by the need to continue with the government that mean well, you have put yourself together, nobody has contributed money towards this, you have put resources together to put this in place and on behalf of my party and the national leader, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we are grateful to him.

“I listen to the DG’s speech and she said something that touched my heart, when I was being sworn in as governor of Ekiti state three and a half years ago, I made a promise that I will sit with you, I will listen to you and I will be accessible and God has helped me to keep to those promises. One thing that is clear to me, and I need to tell all of us in political business, is that democracy has an expiry date, every democracy will expire every four years, and there will be need for a renewal of that mandate. If you are conscious that your own term will expire one day and you’ll need to go back to the people, you will listen to them, you will see them, and you will be accessible to them. And today, what we are reaping is the benefits and the gains of the accessibility.

“I listened to all our speakers when they said we have performed and I said yes we have performed, but as a government in Ekiti state, there are two people that we need to give glory to, God almighty for making this possible and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for our government in Ekiti state, everything you have seen in the state as achievements wouldn't have been possible without the support, the guidance and the advice of the President. He is a father to all the governors in this country and that is why those governors mostly are now falling in and come into APC because we have a leader that's intentional. For the first time in the history of this country, we have a president that wanted to be president and became president. So, I can assure you that we continue to fire to deliver on our promises to Ekiti people.

“And like one of the speakers said, if you have a President that has done well today, the only way we can say thank you to him is to come out on June 20th to test the microphone at the governorship election with 500,000 votes, that is the minimum we are expecting. So, President, will now know that when it comes to January next year, we will go out and do 700,000 votes. 

“Winning the elections is not the problem, the margins and the numbers we are able to make out for the presidential election, we don't want to leave anybody behind”, He stated.

Earlier, the convener of the event and the Director-General of the Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso said the gathering was not just about politics of election but in support of a trusted leadership that has positively affected and touched lives of many and need to reciprocate that good gesture with initiative capable of returning the governor and president to power.

Mrs Omotoso, who disclosed that the canvassers were drawn from communities, groups, and grassroots structures that have made up their minds by conviction added that the initiative has its roots in genuine grassroots support with some generous hearts donating to make this event possible to achieve collective community progress.

According to her, “What we celebrate today in Ekiti is not merely governance, we celebrate a rare kind of leadership that you exude and exemplify. You do not only run an inclusive government; you run a humanitarian government, a government that has saved many from untimely death through timely intervention, a government that has revived forgotten destinies, a government that has restored hope where despair once lived.

In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of private sector development organization, Olabanji Ojo; artisans, Sunday Ogunyebi, Christian Community, CAN chairman, Rev. Dr Aribasoye; Muslim Community, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; Youth, Ajibola and people with disabilities, Agboola Foluso, non-indigenous ethnic group, Alhaji Sheu Sampam commended the governor for his altruistic postures and promised to come out in their numbers to massively vote for him and the president by intensifying voter outreach, engage stakeholders as well as mobilise support at the community and faith levels.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the state House of Assembly, Executive council

Auditor-General’s Team Inspects Youth-in-Agriculture Projects.

Auditor-General’s Team Inspects Youth-in-Agriculture Projects.

A team from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has inspected various agricultural project sites of the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Bring Back Youth into Agriculture Initiative.

Projects visited include the Broiler Production Scheme centres at Erinfun and Technical College, Ado-Ekiti, the dormitory constructed by the state government along BOUESTI Road, Ikere-Ekiti, and the land clearing project along Igbara-Odo Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

The team also inspected the Cocoa and Oil Palm Nursery Project at Erinfun, Ado-Ekiti.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, received the delegation at Erinfun and briefed them on the various agricultural initiatives of the present administration.

The team expressed satisfaction with the projects and encouraged the state government to sustain the momentum towards making Ekiti the food basket of the nation.

On the team were the Director, Animal Husbandry Service, Mr Babatunde Ogundipe, 

Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Junaid Aishat Omoyemi and the Farm Manager, EBOPS, Mr Ola Folorunso among others.

Matna Foods Partners Ondo State Government To Boost Youth and Women's Participation in Agriculture.

Matna Foods Partners Ondo State Government To Boost Youth and Women's Participation in Agriculture.

From L-R: Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, MD/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable Engineer Olaleye Akinola and Ondo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi during their visit to Matna Foods factory in Ogbese, Akure, Ondo State.

Matna Foods Company Limited is strengthening efforts to drive economic empowerment and job creation in Ondo State through strategic collaboration with key government ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. The partnership aligns with the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Program, an initiative designed to empower 3,000 youth outgrower farmers — with 80 percent expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35 — through active participation in the cassava value chain.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation and will support farmers with access to improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.

The collaboration was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement session at the Matna Foods facility, where leaders of the ministries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen rural livelihoods. The engagement forms part of broader efforts to ensure that agricultural investments translate into sustainable employment opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and expand opportunities for women and youth across the state.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, emphasized that the WISE Program is designed to create long-term economic value while strengthening local agricultural supply chains. “This initiative is about building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers farmers while ensuring reliable feedstock for agro-processing. By connecting young farmers directly to structured markets, we are not only creating jobs but also laying the foundation for inclusive agricultural growth that benefits communities across Ondo State,” Aiyeleso said.

He further highlighted the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, who remains deeply committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through strategic investments. According to Aiyeleso, John Olajide believes that business is a force for good that can be used to transform lives and strengthen communities. “The Chairman is passionate about creating opportunities for Nigerians. John Olajide he noted has a clear focus — create jobs, create more jobs, and further create more jobs for Nigerians as a pathway to economic empowerment and national development which has been implanted with Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, he said.  

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. (Engr.) Olaleye Akinola, emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and private sector investors in expanding agricultural production and supporting farmers. “Agriculture remains a key pillar of economic development in Ondo State. Through initiatives like this, we can mobilize land, technical expertise, and extension support to empower farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for agro-processing companies such as Matna Foods. The ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of programs that strengthen the cassava value chain,” Akinola said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended Matna Foods for prioritizing women and vulnerable groups within its empowerment initiatives. “When we saw the structure of this initiative, particularly the focus on young women and other vulnerable groups, it became clear that it aligns strongly with the mandate of our ministry. Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and contribute to the development of their communities,” Osamaye noted.

From L-R: Mrs. Seyialade Muyiwa-Bello, Senior People Specialist, Matna Foods, Mr. Femi Omotuyi, Vice President Operations Matna Foods, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, MD/CEO Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods and Mr. Ayo Obe, Manager Community Engagement Matna foods during the visit of the SSA to Matna Foods in Ogbese, Akure Ondo State.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi, highlighted the importance of agriculture as a pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. “Our priority as a ministry is to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities that take them off the streets and position them for self-reliance. Agriculture offers tremendous potential for employment, and initiatives like the one being driven by Matna Foods help equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive members of the economy,” he stated.

Supporting the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness,  Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, assured Matna leadership of the Ondo State Government’s support and security protection in sustaining the organization’s agricultural investments in the state. He noted that ensuring the safety of farming communities and agricultural facilities would encourage investors like Matna Foods while enabling programs like WISE to scale effectively and reach more young farmers and women across rural communities.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, Eniola Olusola, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development. He commended Matna Foods for creating employment opportunities for people across Ondo State, including persons living with disabilities. According to him, initiatives that intentionally create opportunities for vulnerable groups help ensure that economic growth is inclusive and that no segment of society is left behind.

Providing further insight into the initiative, Project Coordinator Ayo Obe explained that the WISE Program is structured to run for 39 months, supporting participants through two cultivation cycles. 

Beneficiaries will begin with 0.4 hectares of farmland, with the opportunity to expand production in subsequent phases as they gain experience and capacity. According to Obe, the program will combine farmer training, extension support, and structured market access through Matna Foods’ processing operations to ensure sustainable participation in the cassava value chain and contribute to long-term economic growth in Ondo State.