Ekiti 2026: The Symbolic Submission of Governor Oyebanji vs. the Envy-Laden Submission by the Atiku of Ekiti.

Ekiti 2026: The Symbolic Submission of Governor Oyebanji vs. the Envy-Laden Submission by the Atiku of Ekiti.

By Mary Oso-Omotosho

Every Ekiti-kété, Party and non-party members, who witnessed the submission of Expression of Interest form by Governor Oyebanji at the APC National Secretariat felt a renewed sense of pride in being an Ekiti. This event was not just a submission of forms; it was a promotion of unity and a demonstration of the collective purpose and oneness of Ekiti. It served as an opportunity for Governor Oyebanji to present a strong vision and progress report, effectively showcasing Ekiti to the world.

In stark contrast, the submission by Kayode Ojo, the self-styled Atiku of Ekiti has only exposed his ignorance. Instead of presenting an inspiring vision for the electorate, he seems more interested in throwing shade at the incumbent governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). One has to wonder whether he’s running for office or simply auditioning for a role in a comedy sketch.

Given a rare platform, Atiku of Ekiti chose to hurl insults rather than market himself convincingly. What a waste of speech!

Let’s begin with his remark about the “people who have held our state down” since 1999. Atiku of Ekiti seems to be pointing accusing fingers at former governors like Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Ayo Fayose, Senate leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former MHR Oyetunde Ojo and other party bigwigs in the state who stand by BAO—many of whom are stalwarts of the same APC he’s relying on to launch his campaign. 

How daft can he be? It’s like saying, “I’m here to rescue you from the same people I want to work with!” One can only imagine the confused looks on the faces of his potential supporters. If those he deems “nobodies” are the very ones backing his party and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, how does he expect to be taken seriously?

When Atiku of Ekiti lamented Ekiti’s educational ranking, placing it at a dismal 29 out of 36, one might wonder if he’s living in a parallel universe. His failure to acknowledge the recent ranking of Ekiti State University as the best state university in Nigeria suggests he’s either out of touch with reality or simply uninformed about current affairs in his own state. It’s almost as if the accolades are mere whispers in the wind, lost on a man who seems preoccupied with grievances rather than solutions. Pitiful!

When will Atiku of Ekiti stop de-marketing his own state? Should we say he is being mentored by the regular presidential aspirant, INEC's "customer daadaa", Atiku Abubakar, who consistently de-markets Nigeria due to his disdain for President Tinubu?

How can a supposed governorship aspirant openly run down the very state he desperately wishes to govern? His claims about insecurity in Ekiti are baffling. The state has just been lauded as one of the safest in Nigeria, yet Atiku of Ekiti appears to have missed that news bulletin entirely. Perhaps he’s been too busy crafting his hate speech to read the headlines.

If he’s using insecurity as a campaign tool, he might want to consider that fear-mongering doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in leadership. Instead, it only highlights his own lack of understanding of the realities on the ground. From all indications, he does not seem to grasp what governance is all about, and someone like him should steer clear of governance issues.

Just as Atiku’s bitterness towards President Tinubu has clouded his judgment to consistently de-market Nigeria, Atiku of Ekiti’s envy and bitterness toward Governor Oyebanji have led him to constantly de-market Ekiti State. This is why the people of Ekiti continuously reject him.

Attempting to downplay the symbolic submission of forms by BAO and the overwhelming endorsement from Ekiti-kete for both the governor and the president is the height of pettiness. 

It’s childish and laughable for Atiku of Ekiti to insinuate that the show of love and support for Governor Oyebanji was coerced. What a clown indeed!

Even those outside Ekiti are aware that Governor Oyebanji enjoys genuine affection from his people. Have you ever wondered why Ekiti people didn’t join the nationwide protests last time? It’s simply because of their love and trust for Governor Oyebanji. Were all those people coerced? Someone should tell Atiku of Ekiti that it is that same love that brought Ekiti-kete to Abuja. His attempt to undermine the people’s love and support for BAO only serves to showcase his desperation, rather than any substantive critique.

Dear Atiku of Ekiti, it is nobody’s fault that the people of Ekiti rejected you even before you presented yourself to them again. It’s nobody’s fault that you are not loved, even after showing up every election cycle. I guess they are tired of your manipulation, arrogance, and deceit. This time, they are standing up for Governor BAO against all your antics. The next time you go for form submission in 2030, try presenting policies that people would want to rally behind.

Atiku of Ekiti’s promise to make local government autonomous reveals his ignorance. Oga contender—or perhaps pretender—appears to not know the current status of local government autonomy at all. It’s almost endearing how he confidently proposes to give autonomy to local governments as if they’re currently in chains, when the truth is that discussions about local government autonomy have been ongoing for years, with debates already underway.

Recently, the President-General of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Olatunji Ambali, affirmed on Channels Television that Ekiti is one of the three states complying with court directives regarding this autonomy. If Atiku of Ekiti is going to promise to “liberate” something that already has the potential for autonomy, he might want to do a bit more homework to avoid looking like a political novice!

His proposal to empower teachers and civil servants is also laughable. Instead, it feels like a generic promise one would expect from an aspirant desperate to fill airtime. If your entire agenda hinges on echoing what the current administration is already doing while simultaneously criticizing it, what’s the point? It’s like offering to paint someone’s house a different shade of gray when the current paint job is already pristine. One would really want to ask if this guy has been in a coma during the past two and a half years of Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

Atiku of Ekiti’s promise to work to deliver votes for Mr. President also shows his desperation. Whom do you intend to work with? The party you openly insult? The party you don’t understand? The leaders of the party you disrespect? The president you teamed up with Ameachi to oppose in 2023? The president you sponsored celebrities and influencers to insult because  federal roads in Ekiti?

If Atiku of Ekiti can publicly drag those supporting the president as “nonentities,” then his statements about working for the president come off as mere political theater. It’s like saying, “I’m a friend of the family, but I have no respect for the relatives.” Such contradictions make one question whether Atiku of Ekiti is running a campaign or merely playing the part of a jester in a court he doesn’t seem to understand.

Atiku of Ekiti’s submission of forms was more of an exercise in deflection than a genuine campaign for the governorship. Instead of presenting a coherent vision for Ekiti’s future, he chose to hurl unfounded criticisms as usual, leaving the electorate with more questions than answers.

If he wishes to be taken seriously, he might want to consider swapping insults for ideas and grievances for governance. After all, running for governor should be about inspiring the people, not just berating the competition. And if he can’t grasp the fundamentals of governance, he might want to stay far away from the political arena and go take care of his ill health.

Mary writes from Ado Ekiti.

OYEBANJI APPRECIATES PRESIDENT TINUBU, EKITI LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS.

OYEBANJI APPRECIATES PRESIDENT TINUBU,  EKITI LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji wishes to appreciate political leaders, stakeholders, party members and the people of the State for their consistent support for his administration, and his re-election bid as demonstrated by their overwhelming presence at the National Secretariat of the APC in Abuja during the submission of his nomination form on Wednesday. 

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, expressed his gratitude to God Almighty for the success recorded so far by the administration. He also thanked President Tinubu for his love and demonstrated support for the State, stressing that administration has been able to live up to the expectation of the people in terms of tangible development because of the President’s economic policies, which have freed more funds to the State. 

The Governor also thanked political, union and  and party leaders in the State for the unprecedented huge turnout at the party secretariat to witness the form submission and consolidate with him. 

He also expresses deep appreciation to over 300 groups and associations that have, in the past six months, endorsed him and his deputy as well as the President for a second term in office.

The Governor, in the statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday,  says: “Yesterday was not only massive, it was a watershed in the history of our dear State and our dear party and we thank God for the hugely successful and highly significant political event. 

“Our profound appreciation also goes to the President for his support for the state which has become evident in the all-round development being enjoyed in Ekiti, And to all our leaders and stakeholders who showed up in large numbers in Abuja. 

“Profound gratitude to the first civilian Governor of the State, His Excellency, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the National Chairman of our party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola and other members of the NWC and NEC of the party. 

“Special appreciation to the three Senatorial leaders: H.E. Surv. Abiodun Aluko (South), H.E. Prof Modupe Adelabu (Central) and Chief Alaba Abejide (North) for their pragmatic leadership. 

“ Our profound appreciation to the representatives of former Governor Ayodele Fayose- the Oshoko Political Family led by Hon Bisi Kolawole, the PDP Governorship Candidate in the 2022 governorship election. Special thanks also to Senator Babafemi Ojudu, represented by his wife, Mrs Tola Ojudu and Senator Dayo Adeyeye, who was represented by Mr Ade Omonijo 

“Special thanks to all our serving and former members of the National Assembly; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye and all members of the State Assembly, as well as members of the state executive council. 

“Our debt of appreciation to all our traditional rulers, Leaders and members of the EKSU Alimni Association and leadership  of Organised Labour  notably: the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); JUSUN, NASU, ASUP, health workers, market women, artisans, drivers’ unions, okada riders, and our ever diligent street sweepers.

“Special appreciation goes to all our local government chairmen under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), members of BAO Anchor and BAO Volunteers as well as over 300 groups and associations that, at different times, publicly declared their support for the the BAO/MCA second term in office. It must be stated that I am most humbled by your show of love, and we shall continue to work diligently towards making Ekiti attain the heights that we would all be proud of.”, the Governor stated.

Meanwhile, the Governor, who had given the apologies of former Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Wednesday’s event, also thanked the former Governor for his relentless support for his government. He also expressed appreciation to all the former governors for their sundry support for the administration as well as their unified support for his re- election.

EKITI LEADERS EULOGIZE OYEBANJI AT NOMINATION FORM SUBMISSION.

EKITI LEADERS EULOGIZE OYEBANJI AT NOMINATION FORM SUBMISSION.

….Dignitaries and groups say Ekiti Gov worthy of re-election.

The submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by Ekiti State Governor,  Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday witnessed a harvest of more endorsements of his candidacy by eminent personalities and interest groups.

The distinguished individuals, party leaders, senior citizens, labour unions, youths and students all showered encomium on Governor Oyebanji attesting to his noble and sterling character and declaring him fit, proper and worthy of being trusted with another four-year mandate to lead Ekiti State.

Leading the list of eminent Nigerians who attested to Oyebanji’s character and competence for the top job was the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda who led other members of the APC National Working Committee to receive the Governor at the Secretariat.

Prof Yilwatda who spoke through the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the requisite governance experience garnered by Oyebanji in three administrations under two former Governors had prepared him for the job.

He said: "The present Governor of Ekiti State (Oyebanji) has undergone apprenticeship under former governors who are all behind him. We have heard you loud and clear and the difference is clear. We are going to conduct a free and fair election and we will elect the person supported by the whole congregation of Ekiti State."

The APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Isaac Kekemeke, noted that Oyebanji has raised the standard on submission of form by governorship contenders, stating repeatedly that "we (the party) have seen you and we have heard you."

"This is more than submission of form, this is something that is unique. I don't think the National Secretariat has witnessed this kind of submission of form ceremony. We have seen you and we have heard you, go and do what you have done here in Ekiti State."

The first elected Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said all former governors have resolved to back Oyebanji's re-election bid on the strength of his leadership qualities and monumental achievements recorded so far in his stewardship of the state.

Adebayo said: "He (Oyebanji) was one of the first persons that worked for my governorship campaign project and we were elected. After losing the re-election bid and I returned to Lagos to make a living, BAO stood by me when others left me.

"Ever since I met him, he has been like my own blood. All former governors of Ekiti State, we are in support of BAO. Our national leaders, we in Ekiti State will not disappoint you and BAO will not disappoint."

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke on behalf of all National Assembly members from Ekiti State said all federal legislators are rooting for Oyebanji because he has done well in office and he has done them proud.

Bamidele said: "His victory in the October 27 primary will not be a fluke. If it is an indirect primary, we are the delegates and if it is a direct primary, we are in charge and party members are on ground. All of us will ensure that we deliver our constituencies.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2022 governorship election in the state, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, said the Osoko Political Family of former Governor Ayodele Fayose are backing Oyebanji for another term because of his uniting character and inclusive government.

Kolawole who predicted that Oyebanji would win in all the 16 local government areas called on the national leadership of the APC to ensure that the Governor emerges as the candidate in the forthcoming primary to get the task achieved.

"We are doing this because he has done us proud and he has done us so well. He deserves a second term in office."

Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, advised other governorship aspirants in the party to shelve their ambition and support Oyebanji whom he said has raised the bar of governance and done the party proud.

Ojo, who spoke on behalf of federal appointees from the state, recalled the role played by Oyebanji as the Secretary of Ekiti State Creation Committee noted that the Governor has devoted his life to the service of the people and he had done well to the satisfaction of Ekiti people.

He added that the Governor took the lead in the efforts for overwhelming support for Tinubu in his first term election, stressing that Oyebanji is needed again to repeat the feat in Tinubu's second term election. 

Speaking on behalf of former National Assembly members, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, hailed Oyebanji for his exceptional character of humility, integrity and loyalty noting that these virtues have made him to succeed in governance.

The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye said the state lawmakers had pioneered the flurry of endorsements for the Governor since October 16, 2014 paved the way for various interest groups to follow suit in appreciation of good governance in the state.

Aribasoye stressed that anyone contesting against Oyebanji is contesting against the people of Ekiti State who have resolved to re-elect him for another term to consolidate on the good works they have seen so far.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, who led officials and members of the Organized Labour to the event said "God manufactured Oyebanji for workers in Ekiti State" noting that all workers in the state have resolved to support the governor for a fresh term of four years till 2026.

Olatunde said: "God actually manufactured him for workers. He has defeated all arrears of salaries and entitlements. He has paid minimum wage of N70,000 and he signed it into law without any reduction. Workers have enjoined prompt payment of salaries, retirees have enjoyed prompt payment of pension, prompt payment of gratuities.

"Last December, he signed N3.5 billion gratuity and he has twice increased subvention to tertiary institutions. He paid 100 percent of CONMESS/CONHESS. We want to congratulate APC for producing somebody like Governor Oyebanji. We are giving him 100 percent support, BAO must continue till 2030."

Chief Alaba Abejide, who spoke on behalf of Ekiti APC Elders' Forum urged the party national leaders to be wary of contestants who are far from home but always come around at every election cycle to seek the nomination of the party they have abandoned.

Chief Ronke Okusanya, who spoke on behalf of female Ekiti elders praised Oyebanji for giving due recognition to women, said another term for Oyebanji is a plus for women to be more represented in government.

The Ekiti State University Alumni Association said the body procured the nomination and expression of interest forms for the Governor because he has made his alma mater proud and justified the mandate given to him by the electorate.

 

Engr Dipo Bamisaye, who spoke on behalf of the association,  said Oyebanji has recorded many firsts in Ekiti development history, including being the first leader to unite all Ekiti leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, to work for the development of the state. 

The Chairmen of the 16 Local Governments and the 22 Local Council Development Areas under the aegis of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) pledged to mobilize support for Oyebanji in their domains in appreciation of his grassroot development initiatives.

The State ALGON Chairman who also doubles as Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Hon Segun Ojo, said the council areas and the people resident there have never had it so good and they will repay the good works of the Governor with their votes.

Group congratulate Governor Oyebanji for putting Ekiti on the world map for another good reason.

Group congratulate Governor Oyebanji for putting Ekiti on the world map for another good reason.

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has been commended for once again living up to one of his promises to leverage on his predecessor's "restoring our values" and once again putting Ekiti State on the world map for a good reason yesterday while in Abuja.

Yesterday, the 10th of September, 2025.  Governor Abiodun Oyebanji the Executive Governor of Ekiti State had lined up every political stakeholders and who-is-who in Ekiti State to the nation country capital to make a statement that yet all the important politicians in the State are not genuflecting in their massive support and endorsement for his re-election, come 2026 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 during the submission of his nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters. 

In the presence of the entire national executive working committee of the All Progressives Congress at their headquarters, Governor Oyebanji surrounded by all important members of the party from the State led by Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and a whole lot to mention had submitted his nomination form in a carnival-like atmosphere. 

All the former governors of the state led and represented by the first executive governor of the State Otunba Adeniyi Richard Adebayo, all past deputy Governors - Chief Aluko, Paul Alabi, Professor (Princess) Adelabu, Distinguished Senator Abiodun Olujimi, all present.  The alumni association of Ekiti State University led by their former global president Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, all former national assembly members from Ekiti led by Senator Adetumbi, all the present 9 national assembly members led by Senator (Dr) Opeyemi Bamidele, all the 25 APC members of Ekiti State assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Chief Abejide led the APC leaders forum while Chief (Mrs) Akinsaya led the women, the State EXCO of the party and all the 16 Local Government and 18 Local Council Development Areas Chairmen and 77 ward chairmen were led by Chief Elesin, while Honourable Otunba Bisi Kolawole (the governorship candidate of the main opposition party in the last election - PDP) led the Osoko Political Family and represented Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to give their support and endorsed Governor Oyebanji for re-election. 

All the former and present Executive Council members, the chairmen and representatives of NULGE, NUT, NLC, TUC, RTWU, RTEAN, Okada and Keke Napep, Ekiti State Youth Groups and many other organisations representatives present in their colourful uniforms in showcasing the cultural quality of the State. 

Chief Jide Awe led over 70 Elder Volunteer groups, BAO Promoters, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), BAO LEKANSI and countless grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation groups were also well represented.

In a statement signed and released by the Convener of Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), the group congratulated all Ekiti sons and daughters who out of their busy schedules made out time from their respective destinations within and outside Abuja the capital city to stand by our own and show our genuine love, unique cultural omoluabi to convince the National Executive of our great party All Progressive Congress (APC) that in the coming 2026 and 2027 Primaries both for Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji and President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu _Gcfr_ are our choices.

The group also commended His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji and all leaders of the party for putting the interest of the State at heart above personal interest and making history with the classic event which is a pacesetter and unprecedented in anals of history of our party and the nation at large.

The group finally urges all the people of the state to let us continue to maintain the tempo in the atmosphere of peace, vigilance, and utmost dedication for the progress of the State.

Signed

HC Ade 

Convener _OSV_

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID MASSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID MASSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT.

…AS EX-GOV, NASS MEMBERS, OPPOSITION LEADERS, LABOUR LEADERS STORM APC SECRETARIAT FOR EKITI GOV.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday submitted his Nomination form for the 2026 governorship election, at the National secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja, accompanied by an unprecedented huge number of state and national leaders, elected officials and critical stakeholders in the State.

Governor Oyebanji who arrived the national secretariat of the party at 2.15pm, in company of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, went straight to the office of the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and thereafter submitted the nomination form.

The array of leaders and stakeholders at the APC Secretariat to be part of the epoch event include: four former Deputy Governors of the state- Chief Paul Alabi; Surv, Abiodun Aluko; Senator Abiodun Olujimi and Prof Modupe Adelabu, as well as all the nine current members of the National Assembly from Ekiti.

Also at the APC Secretariat was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022 governorship election, Hon Bisi Kolawole, who led members of the political family of former Governor Ayodele Fayose to solidarise with Governor Oyebanji at the event.

Also present were all members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribatise; members of the state executive council, all chairmen of the 16 local government and 22 Local Council Development Area (LCDAs); former members of National Assembly, appointees of the President from Ekiti; leaders of Organised labour in the State, representatives of students body, youths and women, members of APC Elders Forum as well as members of Alumni Association of Ekiti State university (the Governor’s alma mater).

The First Civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo spoke on behalf of all former Governors of the State at a brief ceremony at the party secretariat, while Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele spoke on behalf of National Assembly members.

Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the gathering, which included the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Emma Eneukwu; National Vice Chairman, Dr. D.I. kekemenke, National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola and other NWC and NEC members, urged the national leadership of the APC to align with the wishes of the people of Ekiti State to halt the trend of instability of governance and policies.

The Ekiti Governor said the inability of any political party to produce a governor for a stretch of two terms in office has become a stain and a jinx that must broken in order for the State to witness more rapid development and stability that will make it a model in Nigeria.

Oyebanji said God had divinely ordained him to be the one to break the jinx of single term in office in the state, adding that the unprecedented massive support he enjoys from Ekiti Stakeholders across board, is an indication that it is doable.

The Governor who also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for Ekiti, rallied the party's leadership to support the continuation of the current wave of development under President’s leadership in order to lay foundation for victory in the next presidential election.

He said: "You have listened to what Ekiti people have said. I have nothing more to add. But I want to say something here. Since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has done two terms at a stretch and Ekiti people have come here to remove this reproach. We don't want this stain to remain, we don't want the gains we have made in our state to be reversed. The only thing that stands against development of Ekiti State is this come and go thing and I have the divine mandate to break this jinx."

While urging the national leadership of the party to instill discipline in members, especially aspirants and their supporters, the Governor also pledged to subject himself to the regulations of the primary election to ensure a peaceful and successful conduct.

The Governor praised the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for his statesmanship and support for his administration in the last three years. He also hailed other National Assembly members and state party leaders for their cooperation.

Adebayo in his address, described Oyebanji as a trustworthy and a reliable protégé, stressing that the Governor has been very consistent in contributing to the development of the state in personal and official capacities adding that his contribution has enriched the growth of the State.

Senate Leader Bamidele assured that Oyebanji will record an overwhelming victory at the APC primary and the main election because major power blocs cutting across political parties are supporting his aspiration.

“Governor Oyebanji now enjoys the support of Ex- Governor Fayose's structure, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who has just crossed over to APC and another former Governor Oni who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship poll who is now in APC.

The APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Eneukwu, pledged the readiness of the party to conduct a free, fair and transparent governorship primary in Ekiti, come October 27th, promising that the party will elect a candidate that is well acceptable to the people.

He hailed the leadership style of Oyebanji which he said has made the party an attractive political brand in Ekiti. He also described the Governor as a man after the hearts of the people of the state.

Oyebanji’s Selfless and Progressive Leadership Deserves Continuity — Oluwatuyi.

Oyebanji’s Selfless and Progressive Leadership Deserves Continuity — Oluwatuyi.

By Asubiojo G.O 

The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, has declared that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s progressive and people-centered leadership deserves nothing short of continuity beyond 2026.

Oluwatuyi made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at the submission of the governor’s nomination form, stressing that Oyebanji’s pragmatic approach to governance has brought visible development to both state and local government levels.

Former Governor, Senate Leader, National Assembly members, ALGON, and representatives from virtually all sectors in Ekiti stood side by side with the People’s Governor as he submitted his form at the National Secretariat of the APC.

The party, upon receiving the form, confirmed it was the first time in history such a formidable parade of political heavyweights would converge in unity for a governorship aspirant from Ekiti State.

What a man. What a moment. What a time to witness in Ekiti!

Biodun Oyebanji Leekansi! 

The council boss, who spoke glowingly about the governor’s track record, described him as “a selfless leader who has redefined grassroots governance with humility and inclusiveness.”

Also lending his voice at the event, the Executive Secretary of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Dr. Sule Tunji, commended Oyebanji’s leadership, saying the governor has raised the bar of performance across sectors.

Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Remi Alade, equally praised the governor, noting that his style of governance is anchored on service delivery and the welfare of the people.

The council’s Head of Local Administration, Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, highlighted the administration’s numerous interventions for local government staff. She explained that prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions, and training opportunities are some of the benefits that staff have enjoyed under Oyebanji’s watch.

The submission of the form was greeted with a large crowd of supporters who thronged the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, chanting solidarity songs in support of the governor. Party souvenirs, including branded caps, T-shirts, and leaflets bearing Oyebanji’s image, were distributed to the excited supporters.

Speaking during the event, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described Oyebanji as “a symbol of humility and performance whose leadership has brought uncommon unity and development to Ekiti State.” He added that the party was proud to have him as one of its shining examples of good governance.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Samuel Abejide, lauded the governor for his “unwavering commitment to grassroots development and the welfare of council workers.” Abejide stressed that Oyebanji’s style of leadership had rekindled hope in the local government system and given staff renewed confidence in governance.

Another chieftain of the party described the governor as a “rare politician who places people above politics,” emphasizing that continuity would consolidate the gains recorded so far in Ekiti State.

With the Abuja submission, Oyebanji’s re-election momentum appears to have gathered further steam as loyalists and stakeholders continue to drum support for his second term bid.

Plans for 2nd Edition of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled.

Plans for 2nd Edition of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled.

…As Gov Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Sports, Tourism Development.

Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon race scheduled for November 8, 2025, describing it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investments, and showcase the state’s natural endowment.

Speaking during a Press Conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, restated his administration's commitment to sports and tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and youth engagement in the state. 

He added that the Ikogosi race goes beyond competition, as it provides a platform to promote healthy living while placing the state on the global sporting map.

According to the organizers, the 27.5km marathon will feature over 5,000 athletes and participants through scenic routes of Ilawe, with the finishing point at the iconic ikogosi Warm Springs resort, ikogosi- Ekiti. 

While assuring that his government would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti a sports and tourism hub and describing the event as more than just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, unity and excellence that reflects Ekiti spirit, the Governor urged residents to welcome visitors warmly and showcase the state’s culture, values and peaceful atmosphere.

In his remarks, the initiator of the Ikogosi Marathon, Mr. Femi Abegunde, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast commitment to sports development in the State, noted that the Governor’s consistent support for sports and youth development, particularly the marathon reflects a broader vision to use athletics not just as recreation, but as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, economic growth, and state branding. 

He stressed that the Governor's leadership is gradually transforming the state into a vibrant destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.

He also commended state government’s partnership with the organizers, noting that the collaboration will give greater visibility and credibility to the second edition of the race. He added that Ikogosi Marathon was conceived to combine the thrill of athletics with the beauty of Ekiti tourism attraction, particularly the world-famous warm springs, thereby positioning the state as a leading destination for sports in Nigeria.

Abegunde further explained that registration for the 2025 edition of Ikogosi 27.5km marathon is free for all Ekiti indigenes until November st,  and can be completed via the official website, www.ikogosimarathon.com.

He outlined the prize structure for the race, with elite winners set to receive ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million for first, second, and third places respectively while Indigenous athletes will be awarded prizes ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦50,000 for the top six positions. 

Also speaking, the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, who described the marathon as a strategic event that aligns with the government’s vision of using tourism and sports as tools for economic growth, noted that hosting such an event would not only attract visitors to the state but also stimulate business activities for hoteliers, transporters, artisans, and other service providers in the tourism value chain.