Ekiti 2026: APC Grassroots Group Warns Against Disrupting Political Continuity.

Ekiti 2026: APC Grassroots Group Warns Against Disrupting Political Continuity.

A leading grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation movement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong appeal to the party’s executive committee members across Ekiti State, cautioning against moves that could disrupt the current political structure ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the convener, HC Ade, the group warned that any attempt to alter the present leadership and succession plans within the party could trigger widespread consequences for the party at the state and national levels.

The group, known as OSV, urged state, local government, and ward-level executives of the APC to uphold the prevailing political stability in the state, noting that the foundation of democratic continuity laid by past leaders must not be jeopardised.

According to the statement, the position of the group aligns with that of several influential political figures from the state, including former governors Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Chief (Engr.) Segun Oni, as well as present and former members of the National and State Assemblies.

“It is clear that continuity in governance remains the best strategy to ensure seamless development, strengthen our internal democracy, and consolidate on the achievements of the current administration,” the statement read in part.

The group listed several risks associated with halting the current political trajectory. These include:

1. Disruption in good governance and ongoing development projects.

2. Forced political retirement of influential leaders at both national and state levels.

3. Possible dissolution and replacement of the entire executive committee from the state to ward level.

4. Disorganisation within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

5. A loss of confidence from the National Working Committee (NWC) in the state’s party structure.

The group stressed that only a candidate with “a traceable democratic track record, competence, capacity, and the ability to unify the party” should emerge as the APC flag bearer in the 2026 governorship election.

They also cautioned against what they described as the "temptation to change a winning team," warning that such a decision could cost the party dearly in future elections.

“No good coach changes a winning team without paying a heavy price in defeat,” the statement added.

The group concluded by reiterating its commitment to party unity and called on all APC stakeholders in Ekiti State to place long-term stability and electoral success above personal ambitions.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT ON 2026 BUDGET AS A REFERENDUM FOR OYEBANJI'S CONTINUITY.

The BAO Impact Series No. 19.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT ON 2026 BUDGET AS A REFERENDUM FOR OYEBANJI'S CONTINUITY.

ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA. 

The massive crowds that welcomed him to the Town Hall Meetings/Citizens' Engagement in preparation for the 2026 Budget and the attendant excitement told the story and they were both visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.

These are tell-tale indications that the people of Ekiti State are truly in love with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and they are ready to reward him with a new term in office if his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), fields him as its candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

From 24th to 25th of September, 2025, across the three senatorial districts, the Governor once again reached out to the people in the grassroots to ask for their requests in terms of projects and other forms of empowerment to be incorporated into the 2026 Budget as it is his usual practice every year.

Apart from asking for the requests of the communities, Oyebanji used the opportunity of the forum to give account on how his administration had spent their resources that accrued to the state on projects and also shed more light on the policy thrust of his administration.

At Ise Ekiti, where Oyebanji met communities from the six local government areas of Ekiti South; Otun Ekiti where he interfaced with communities from the five local government areas of Ekiti North and Ijero Ekiti where he interacted with communities from Ekiti Central, the consensus was that the Governor has done well and he deserves a re-election.

In all the three locations, it was a carnival of approval and more endorsement for a Governor who had worked hard in the last three years to scale up the development of Ekiti in virtually all key sectors and the hard work to ensure an Ekiti the founding fathers envisaged is still on the full throttle.

Through the town hall meetings, Oyebanji has involved the citizenry in running the affairs of the state; he has positively engaged them in contributing to the making of decisions that affect them; through the interactive forum, the views and the opinions of the people have counted.

Rather than being ensconced in his cosy office in Ado Ekiti and ram policies and projects down the throats of the citizens, Oyebanji has taken governance to the people in their natural habitats, in their places of residence and the people feel wanted, feel loved and feel appreciated. Why won't they root for him to continue?

These appreciative people include traditional rulers, their chiefs, community leaders, religious leaders, labour leaders, youth organizations, student bodies, civil servants, market women, artisans, people living with disabilities, retirees, transporters and the ordinary men and women on the streets.

During the tour, they were given voice to speak and to interact with their Governor who directly felt their pulse. He raptly listened to them, fixed his gaze on them, conscientiously took down notes by himself as they spoke, made a sense of what they were saying and accurately and sincerely provided the answers they needed.

The interface served as a festival of appreciation of what the previous budgets (2022, 2023 and 2024) had achieved and a means of charting a direction and seeking the opinion of the people on the projects that are of priority to them.

The Ekiti publics really showed gratitude to Oyebanji and pointed to projects they had advocated in the previous projects which had been executed, completed and inaugurated for public use and for the benefit of this present and coming generations.

Such projects include neighbourhood, community, rural, township and state roads, general hospitals and community health centers, primary and secondary schools, electricity, potable water, civic centres, town halls and palaces, security posts and installations, farm settlements and clusters for commercial agriculture etc.

It offered an opportunity to review ongoing projects and policies, suggestions on collaboration between local governments, local council development areas and the state government on governance, security and boosting of the grassroots economy.

The forum also gave the locals the opportunity of celebrating the highest budget transparency rating received by Ekiti under the watch of Oyebanji from BudgIT which rated the state as number one in Nigeria for Quarter 2, an award she has scooped for six times in a row.

This is an indication that Ekiti is in safe hands and that is why the communities also demanded continuity of the Oyebanji administration in office from 2026 to 2030. There was a consensus that the Governor has so far used the mandate he received in 2022 to better their lots.

Ahead of the APC governorship primary slated for October 27, 2025 and the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, the communities have spoken loud and clear in support of an Oyebanji candidacy.

The citizens' engagement/town hall meetings was a referendum for Oyebanji's continuity for sustained development of Ekiti State and they are ready to speak with their votes to make it a reality.

Ogunmola is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media)

Ojuawo Felicitates with Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, on Her Birthday.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, on Her Birthday.

The Federal Lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (Rtd), has extended warm felicitations to the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, on the joyous occasion of her birthday.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Ojuawo described the Deputy Governor as “a committed leader, a dependable partner in governance, and a mother figure whose humility, wisdom, and dedication to the growth and development of Ekiti State continue to command admiration and respect.”

He commended Her Excellency for her unwavering support to her boss, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), noting that her loyalty and steadfast contributions have greatly enhanced the delivery of good governance across the state.

“As you mark another year of life and service, I join your family, friends, well-wishers, and indeed the entire people of Ekiti State in celebrating you. May the Almighty grant you many more years in sound health, with divine wisdom and greater fulfillment, as you continue to serve our people,” Hon. Ojuawo said.

Hon. Ojuawo further prayed that God would continue to endow the Deputy Governor with strength and grace to sustain her contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ekiti-born Teacher, Anifowose, Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Educators.

Ekiti-born Teacher, Anifowose, Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Educators.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

An Ekiti-born teacher and education advocate, Mr. Seyi Anifowose, has entered the Guinness World Records for organizing the largest gathering of teachers globally.

The historic event, tagged “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025”, was held on September 20 at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, drawing an estimated 60,000 teachers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The record-breaking feat was officially confirmed by Rishi Nath, a representative of Guinness World Records, during a Zoom call on September 23.

Anifowose, who is affiliated with the education-focused group 1 Million Teachers, described the achievement as a victory for education in Nigeria. “This is proof that teachers matter. It is a victory for education and Nigeria,” he said.

The conference, which aimed to amplify the call for improved teacher welfare, recognition, and education policy reforms, was not without its challenges. Attendees endured adverse weather conditions and lengthy wait times, but their dedication to the cause stood firm.

The significance of the venue, Tafawa Balewa Square—where Nigeria’s independence was declared in 1960—was not lost on participants, symbolizing a renewed call for national attention to the plight of educators.

Anifowose extended appreciation to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his home state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, for their moral and logistical support. He also acknowledged the contributions of various teacher unions and education agencies.

Looking ahead, the teacher-turned-advocate said he would be pushing for legislative reforms at the National Assembly to tackle longstanding challenges in the education sector, including underfunding and teacher shortages.

He noted that the global recognition should serve as a springboard for meaningful policy change and improved working conditions for Nigerian teacher.

The Unmistakable Consensus: Unity for Continuity and Progress.

The Unmistakable Consensus: Unity for Continuity and Progress.

The political landscape in Ekiti State has coalesced around a singular, powerful objective: the re-election of PBAT/Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), a crucial first step in securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, come 2027. This preference is no secret; it is the salient truth embraced by the entire progressive family.

The commitment is evident from the highest echelons of the party: The Presidency and the entire structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the National, State, Local Government, to the Ward Executive Working Committees are united in their support.

The Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly, comprising all three senators and six members of the House of Representatives, is fully on board, led by the distinguished Senate Leader, Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. The State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye stands firmly with the governor. The 25 APC members are expected to be further bolstered by the anticipated decamping of the sole SDP member.

The 38 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen, alongside the Conference of all former National and State Assembly Members, led by Senator Adetumbi, have unequivocally declared their staunch support for political stability and continuity.

This movement transcends partisan boundaries, reflecting a deep statewide consensus. All past governors of Ekiti State, regardless of their party affiliation, under the leadership of Otunba Adeniyi Richard Adebayo, and all past Deputy Governors, led by Chief Paul Alabi and Professor Modupe Adelabu, are ecstatic about the continued good work of the current administration.

Furthermore, women and youth groups, various opinion leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, have all thrown their weight behind the return of BAO and PBAT. Ekiti State has not just chosen a path; it has chosen the path of honour and progress, setting an enviable standard for others to follow. 

Things can only get better.

Do not be left out of this historic movement. The dreams of the future are indeed better than the history of the past. Stand up to be counted amongst the history makers who secured a future anchored on political stability and continuity for our dear State.

Go out today!

Dust off your APC Membership Card and update your membership register. Register for your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) or transfer your PVC to Ekiti State.

The process is easy. YOUR PVC is YOUR VOTE, it is YOUR WEAPON for good governance.

Be part of history!

_Forward Ever, Backward Never._

OSV

EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

...Ranks 7th Overall Nationwide, Bags Multiple Awards.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

A First Class Law graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Akinola Dolapo Modupe, has made the institution proud by emerging as one of the top graduating students at the February 2025 Nigerian Law School Bar Finals held in Abuja.

Dolapo, who studied Corporate Law at EKSU, was ranked the 7th overall best graduating student nationwide and received multiple prestigious awards at the Call to Bar ceremony.

Among the honours she received were the Chief Adegboyega S. Awomolo CFR, SAN, Life Bencher Award for the 3rd Best Graduating Student in Corporate Law Practice, and the Director General’s Prize for First Class graduates.

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Babatola Ayodele, congratulated Dolapo and commended the Faculty of Law for continuing to uphold the university’s tradition of academic excellence.

“EKSU is known for producing brilliant minds, and Dolapo’s achievements are a clear testament to the quality of education we offer. We are proud of her and urge other students and alumni to continue to fly the flag of the university high,” Ayodele said.

The Vice Chancellor also reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and promoting the university’s global image.

The university’s Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, in a statement signed by Ayobami Adedoyin (Mrs), on behalf of the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun congratulated Dolapo and reaffirmed EKSU's dedication to nurturing academic brilliance across all disciplines.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), has congratulated Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his coronation as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In a press statement issued by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Dr Fayemi described the installation of Ladoja as Olubadan as “a fitting recognition of his illustrious contributions to public life and his enduring service to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”

He said Senator Ladoja’s wealth of experience in politics, business, and community service would no doubt be brought to bear in further uniting the Ibadan traditional institution and enhancing the welfare of his people.

Fayemi expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s reign would usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and stability not only for Ibadan but also for the entire state of Oyo.

“Senator Ladoja is widely admired as a man of integrity and courage. His ascension to the Ibadan throne is a source of pride, not only to the people of Ibadanland but also to all Nigerians who value leadership anchored on service and humility,” Fayemi said.

While praying for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the monarch, Fayemi urged the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State to rally round the new Olubadan to sustain the tradition of peace and progress for which the ancient city is known.