Ekiti 2026: We Now Enter The Forest Without Fear - Pick-up Drivers to Oyebanji.

Ekiti 2026: We Now Enter The Forest Without Fear - Pick-up Drivers to Oyebanji.

...as Caterers, Councilors, Others Endorse Oyebanji.

As part of the build up to the 2026 governorship election, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji has continued to receive endorsements from groups across the state. 

It was a momentous occasion on Wednesday as several groups including; Pick-up and Lorry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter; Ekiti Progressive Women's Forum; Ekiti State Caterers Association and Forum of 177 Councilors in Ekiti State endorsed the governor for another tenure in separate endorsements rally. 

The Pick-up and Lorry Drivers unanimously adopted Governor Oyebanji as their consensus candidate citing  the restoration of security in the forests and various road infrastructural developments which has impacted positively on the smooth operations of their jobs. 

Chairman of the association, Sikiru Rasaq, who spoke on behalf of its members, said that "going by the nature of our jobs, there were some areas in Ekiti State before now that our vehicles cannot ply. But now that the governor is piloting the affairs of the state, easily, we can move to anywhere without any problem. We can now travel freely across the state without fear. We see the good and other infrastructure development and we appreciate it."

The Assistant Coordinator of Ekiti Progressive Women's Forum, Olajide Modupe, while moving the endorsement motion on behalf of the group, described the exploits of the governor as unprecedented in prioritizing the welfare of women through people-centered policies. 

The movement took another dimension as Ekiti State Caterers Association stormed the Governor’s Office in another thunderous endorsement of Governor Oyebanji with spoons in one hand saying they are standing solidly with the governor.

The President of the Caterers Association, Mrs Stella Abiodun of Damlek Event Ado-Ekiti said that "the governor has done a lot for us. The wife of the governor has called us on several occasions to give coolers and empowered our members. We just want to appreciate him for what he has done and we promise to deliver during the election." 

Capping off an eventful day, the Forum of 177 Councilors in the state unequivocally affirmed the governor for another tenure. One after the other, leaders of the Forum including; Hon. Arogundade Babatunde from Ado-Ekiti and Hon. Segun Ogunlana from Ekiti West moved and seconded the endorsement motion respectively. 

The separate endorsements rally attracted top government functionaries including; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioners for Information and Transportation, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and Kehinde Ajobiewe respectively, Special Adviser on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe, Secretary of BAO/MCA State Endorsement Committee, Rt. Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Omotosho, among others. 

The Special Adviser on Political and Inter-Party Affairs urged the groups to remain steadfast towards ensuring that the governor is re-elected, emphasizing on the need for them to get their voters cards ready ahead of the poll. 

Addressing the 177 Councilors, the S.A on Political and Inter-Party Affairs said: "I thank you that we have vibrant and up-to-date councillors. You have demonstrated what you have been doing. We want you to go back and mobilize the people so that the much-anticipated primary won't have issues."

Hon. Karounwi, who re-echoed the assertion of the S.A charged the Councilors saying "you are elected like the governor, you carry the mandate of the people. Our state-wide endorsement comes up July 28th and you are aware of the mobilization that is going on. I know you won't fail us because you own the ward. 

"Voters registration exercise is coming. You should monitor this exercise in your ward. You are responsible to the governor. There is need for our registration to increase and the governor plays more premium on it. We must ensure that we play by the rule during the primary. Ekiti is ready for BAO and our primary is going to be 100%."

While responding to the endorsements, the governor, represented by the Chief of Staff appreciated the groups for supporting the re-election of the governor and urged them to mobilize members of their communities ahead of the upcoming continuous voters registration. 

He emphasized the readiness of the governor in adhering to the electoral guidelines during the All Progressives Congress primary and urged them to follow due process by avoiding irregularities.

His words: "Voters registration will commence soon. Let us begin mobilizing people—especially youths who have just turned 18, those who wish to transfer their registration, and adults who have never registered before. It is also important to ensure that they collect their PVCs once they are ready, as these will be essential during the election.

"Regarding the primary elections, please ensure that all activities comply strictly with INEC regulations. His Excellency, Governor BAO, is committed to upholding the rule of law. Let us follow due process and avoid irregularities such as over-voting. The number of votes in each ward must not exceed the number of registered voters. Let’s work together to secure victory for BAO, ward by ward, the right way."