Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji.

Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji.

…As Oyebanji, Bamidele say “no breathing space” for opposition in battle for votes.

 

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in the state, Chief Joseph Anifowose, on Tuesday stepped down for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at a rally in Igede-Ekiti.

Chief Anifowose cited the need to sustain the tempo of growth and development being witnessed under the BAO Administration in the last three and a half years for his decision to step down and work for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.

He told party leaders, supporters and residents at the rally that his decision was informed by the visible transformation and developmental strides recorded in the state under the Oyebanji administration, which he described as a turning point in Ekiti’s governance.

According to him, the progress in infrastructure, social services and governance reforms across the state had convinced him that continuity was necessary to sustain and deepen the ongoing development agenda.

He said “ if you look at Governor Oyebanji in the last three and a half years, he has been able to mobilize all the former Governors for the development of the state. Governor Oyebanji is a divine arrangement and a God sent. He has shown capacity and competence and he is committed to making Ekiti great

“That is why my party APM has decided to support the Governor. We held the state executive and the state working committee meetings where all the local government executives were directed to go and vote for Governor Oyebanji and it was publicly announced”, he added. 

Earlier in Ilawe Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, have declared that there will no breathing space for the opposition in the battle to secure the votes of the electorate in the forthcoming governorship and general elections in Ekiti.

 

The trio said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to achieve a landslide victory in the June 20 governorship election, and the January 2027 presidential election to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose benevolence and magnanimity, according to them, have benefitted Ekiti in the last three years.

Addressing a teeming crowd at the two locations, Oyebanji stressed that major capital projects being executed by both state and federal governments are gestures to prove that the APC loves the state and that the people of the state have not made mistake in voting the party to power.

 

Some of the projects referenced by the Governor include Ikere-Ilawe Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road, Ilawe-Erijiyan Road, Ilawe General Hospital all executed by his administration and Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure highway whose one lane has been completed by the federal government and Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway presently being reconstructed also by the federal government.

 

According to the governor, the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu is already fixing the notorious Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway.

 

While urging the people of Ekiti to keep the APC in power at state and federal levels, Oyebanji said the President also demonstrated his love for the state by appointing many of its indigenes to prominent and enviable positions in his administration.

 

The APC governorship flag bearer also disclosed that two power transmission stations at Ilupeju Ekiti and Ijesa Isu Ekiti being executed by the Tinubu-led federal government are nearing completion and would boost power supply for domestic and industrial use in the state. He charged the electorate to repay the favour with their votes at the polls.

 

Oyebanji also aimed a dig at the opposition parties in the state who he carpeted for their inactivity on the campaign field accusing them of being only present on social media unlike the APC that is vigorously engaging the electorate and taking its campaigns to their domains to demonstrate readiness to sweep the available votes on election day.

 

He said: "We are targeting not less than 500,000 votes at the coming election and 177-0 result at ward level because we don't want to lose any of the wards. Here in Ekiti South West which has eleven wards, we are expecting 11-0. We urge our fathers, mothers, youths and everybody look for the APC name and logo on the ballot paper and thumbprint validly.

 

"As we leave here, let us return home and make peace with everybody. You see, no other party is campaigning, they are only campaigning on social media and that is where they will hear their own result. God has given us victory already."

 

Adaramodu, who is the Senator representing Ekiti South in the Senate and deputy Director General of the Campaign Council, maintained that the only agenda on ground was to deliver victory for Oyebanji and Tinubu. He insisted that other candidates who are not from APC would not win any election because the zone is a no-go area for the opposition.

 

He said: "In Ekiti South West Local Government, we have about 56,000 registered voters and if we deliver less than 50,000, we have not done well. That means that we must deliver at least 50,000 for APC and BAO (Oyebanji), the winning votes here must be for BAO.

 

Bamidele enjoined the electorate in the council area to avoid delivering what he called "wastes votes" saying it was only votes for the APC that will benefit them, because it is the only party that occupies every office from the presidency to the councillorship.

 

The Senate Leader who has facilitated the construction of a mini stadium in Ilawe said the people are benefitting from federal government, state government and the various interventions of the federal legislators from the state.

 

Appreciating the people for their support for Oyebanji, Tinubu and the APC, Senator Bamidele said the present administration led by the party has set a standard in governance that would improve the standard of living of the people in the long term.

 

Senator Bamidele who is also the Chairman of the BAO Re-election Campaign Council urged eligible voters to be pragmatic and vote wisely noting that voting for candidates whose parties have little or no structures on ground would end up becoming wasted votes.

 

He said there would be no breathing space for "marginal parties that want to play spoiler roles" nothing that the giant strides being superintended by the APC at state and federal levels should be allowed to continue to ensure a virile and prosperous polity.

 

Bamidele said: "I want to say this to our people, don't allow anybody to waste your votes. If you have a contestant in your hometown but in a party without President, Governor, Senator, House of Representatives, House of Assembly members and even councillors and he tells you to vote for his party, he wants to waste your votes.

 

"Vote for a party from which you can benefit. This is not Ekiti South West that BAO met on ground, a lot has changed here since the time he came to office. Before the January general elections, we must first make victory sure on June 20. None of are candidates should be allowed to fail at all the elections."

 

Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, described Oyebanji as a governor who had lived up to expectation and should be encouraged to return to office for the sustenance of good governance being enjoyed in the state.

 

Spokespersons of interest groups in the local government areas threw their weight behind Oyebanji and restated their readiness to re-elect him based on what his administration has done in their communities and council areas.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole Donates N10m as BAO Campaign Storms Ijero-Ekiti After N25m Constituency Grant.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole Donates N10m as BAO Campaign Storms Ijero-Ekiti After N25m Constituency Grant.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole on Monday donated N10 million on behalf of the Iloro-Ekiti community to support the re-election campaign of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the BAO campaign tour recorded a massive turnout in Ijero-Ekiti, weeks after he rolled out a N25 million empowerment grant across his constituency.

The rally, held on 11 May 2026 ahead of the June 20 governorship election, attracted party leaders, students, youths, women groups, traders, artisans, traditional rulers and supporters from different communities across Ijero Local Government Area, turning the ancient town into a major political gathering point.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole, popularly known among supporters as “Omo Ubalokuta”, arrived at the event alongside supporters from Iloro and Ijurin communities, where he received a loud welcome from party faithful and residents who flooded major roads and the campaign venue.

Supporters sang different solidarity and praise songs in his honour, celebrating his grassroots political influence, philanthropy and continued support for party structures at the community level. Drummers, local musicians and party loyalists sustained the energetic atmosphere throughout the rally.

The APC chieftain first joined other political leaders at the palace of the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, where he exchanged pleasantries with Governor Oyebanji, Jide Awe, and other party stakeholders before proceeding to the main campaign venue.

Prominent personalities present at the rally included Chief Jide Awe, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, Hon. Ajobiewe, community leaders, party executives and traditional rulers from across Ekiti Central.

Excitement peaked at the campaign ground when Hon. Dapo Kolawole publicly announced the N10 million donation on behalf of the Iloro-Ekiti community towards Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, drawing loud cheers from thousands of supporters at the venue.

The donation came weeks after Hon. Kolawole launched a N25 million business support and empowerment initiative through the VOKI Foundation in Iloro Ward A. The programme saw financial support distributed to traders, entrepreneurs, elders and party supporters across the 11 polling units in the ward.

During the Easter gathering at the APC Secretariat in Iloro-Ekiti, party members also endorsed Biodun Omoleye for a second term as member representing Ekiti Federal Constituency II.

At the meeting, Hon. Kolawole reaffirmed support for Governor Oyebanji, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Hon. Omoleye, while urging party members to remain united ahead of future elections.

Following the Ijero-Ekiti rally, Hon. Kolawole also visited the APC secretariat in Iloro-Ekiti, where he met with party members and residents in what supporters described as another reflection of his strong grassroots connection.

Several residents at the event described the outing as a major political statement ahead of the 2026 governorship election, noting that Hon. Dapo Kolawole has continued to strengthen his influence through political mobilisation, economic empowerment and community engagement across the constituency.

The Ijero-Ekiti campaign stop formed part of ongoing statewide consultations and mobilisation efforts by Governor Oyebanji’s political structure ahead of the next governorship poll in Ekiti State.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID HIS RE-ELECTION.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID  HIS RE-ELECTION.

The Senate Leader and Chairman, Ekiti APC 2026 Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said that the excellent performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the last three and a half years has made his re- election an easy task. 

Senator Bamidele said the programmes and policies of the Governor has made significant impact on the lives of the people adding that they have resolved to repay him with an overwhelmingly huge volume of votes in appreciation. 

The Senate Leader stated this in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko on Monday during Governor Oyebanji’s campaign tour of Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West  Local Government Areas respectively. 

Senator Bamidele spoke just as Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence of a big margin victory in the June 20 governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji said his performance since coming to power, which has been acknowledged far and wide as being superlative and commendable, has given him assurance of the commitment of Ekiti people to return him for a second term in office with a record volume of votes. 

A massive crowd of residents and party supporters thronged the rally venues in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko Ekiti as the Governor and his entourage were given a rousing welcome in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Addressing the crowd at the campaign ground, Oyebanji described Ijero Local Government as a progressives stronghold that had always delivered impressive figures of vote saying he expects the momentum to be scaled up in the coming election as part of efforts to hit the minimum target of 500,000 votes.

The Governor specifically tasked the chieftains and members of the APC to go to eligible voters who have voters' cards at their polling units and wards and especially those who are not members of the party and convince them to vote for the party at the election.

The APC flag bearer said he was very sure of victory on the strength of his performance and well-documented achievements in office in the key sectors including infrastructure, education, agriculture, rural development, education, human capital development and workers' welfare.

He said: "As a party, we have set a target for ourselves, we have set a  minimum target of 500,000 votes. All of us must go home to our units and wards and identify every registered voter especially those who are not members of our party but have voters' cards.

"If performance is the yardstick, we have nothing to fear because of what we have done in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, workers' salaries and welfare of our pensioners.

"The votes must be massive and on June 21 when the result will be declared, I want the President to hear the quantum of votes and his mind will be at rest. In Ekiti, we are going to speak with our votes. On election days, take at least five persons a long with you to the polling booth and vote for APC."

At Efon Alaaye, the Governor who spent part of his formative years in the town, listed several projects executed for the people by his administration and the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu urged the electorate to reciprocate with their votes.

He listed the projects to include the Alanaka Road, Efon Alaaye General Hospital, transformers, Efon-Ipole-Ikogosi Road, Primary Health Centres, Teacher Training College and Itawure-Erio-Aramoko Federal highway which leads to Ado Ekiti, the state capital where work is presently ongoing.

The Governor attributed all the work done by his administration to the benevolence and magnanimity of President Tinubu urging the electorate in Efon to show appreciation with their massive votes.

"If we have a President that does all these for us, we need to apprciiate him in return by voting for his party, the APC in all forthcoming elections. In 2022 you did not vote for our party but we worked for you. But in the coming election, you will combine the votes of 2022 with that of 2026 and the figure will shoot up very well."

Speaking further, Senator Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, appreciated the people of the state for their support for Oyebanji and APC. He canvassed for another opportunity to consolidate the good governance being enjoyed in the state.

The Senate Leader said: "Governor Oyebanji's first term was favourable to Ekiti because the state has witnessed transformation in all areas. Also, Ekiti has enjoyed peace under his administration, there is unity of purpose and development under him.

"It is not a question of winning the election but with a wide margin. Let us cast our votes massive for APC and Governors Oyebanji for this good work to continue and for our state to keep moving forward."

The State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, stressed that the Governor has done well to justify a fresh term in office noting that all hands must be on deck to to ensure his return to office.

Representatives of various interest groups who spoke at the rallies hailed the impact of the Oyebanji Administration and pledged their readiness to cast cast their votes to make his re-election a reality.

They commended Oyebanji's inclusive governance, appointment of their indigenes into key positions in government, projects executed in their areas, empowerment of citizens, among others.

THE POLITICAL GBOKO-GBAALA: THE RISE OF OPPORTUNISTIC FENCE-JUMPERS.

THE POLITICAL GBOKO-GBAALA: THE RISE OF OPPORTUNISTIC FENCE-JUMPERS.

By Fagboro Aladekomo.

In recent times, the political landscape within Ekiti State has been increasingly threatened by the disturbing culture of Gboko-gbaala — a form of opportunistic political fence-jumping where individuals move from one political camp to another without regard for principle, ideology, or collective interest.

This trend is not only disappointing but also deeply revealing. It reflects a dangerous pattern that goes beyond ordinary ambition or political survival. Many of these actors appear to have emerged from an acephalous political background — a culture where discipline is weak, loyalty is temporary, and constituted authority is treated with little respect. In such an environment, political allegiance becomes disposable, while the guidance of party elders and leadership is ignored at convenience.

What we now witness is a political culture of kebesimu — childish and unstable movement from one camp to another merely to display relevance or agility. Some individuals now mistake inconsistency for strategy and instability for political intelligence. This is not progressive politics; it is a game of convenience that weakens institutions, destroys trust, and ridicules the very essence of democratic engagement.

Politics, by its nature, demands discipline, ideological direction, patience, and respect for structure. It is not a platform for endless experimentation or selfish political acrobatics. Those who practice this Gboko-gbaala style of politics must understand that credibility and influence are earned through consistency, sacrifice, and loyalty — not through constant defection and opportunism.

Therefore, it has become necessary to sound a clear warning: this culture of political kebesimu must stop. Those involved should retrace their steps and embrace a more responsible and principled approach to political participation. No political system can thrive where there is no respect for leadership, no commitment to collective goals, and no adherence to party structure.

If we truly desire a political system that commands respect and delivers meaningful development, then this acephalous disposition — marked by indiscipline, instability, and disregard for order — must give way to accountability, loyalty, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Only then can politics regain its dignity and genuinely serve the people.

Write By Fagboro Aladekomo from Ekiti East.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100.

 Former Governor of Ekiti State and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has released a glowing tribute to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a formal statement dated May 10, 2026, Dr. Fayemi described the centenarian as a "divine blessing" to the Nigerian nation and a moral compass for the Yoruba people. He emphasized that reaching the age of 100 is not just a personal milestone for the elder statesman but a significant event for the country’s democratic history.

Dr. Fayemi highlighted Chief Fasoranti’s century of life as a testament to sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to good governance. He noted that in moments of political uncertainty and national turbulence, the elder statesman remained one of those rare voices whose convictions never shifted with convenience. The tribute traced Fasoranti's impact through several key eras, including his involvement in the Action Group during the First Republic, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic, and his "incomparable" tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

Beyond politics, the former Governor praised Fasoranti’s enduring legacy in education. Having earned degrees from the University of Ibadan and post-graduate certifications from the University of Hull in the UK and Macquarie University in Australia, Fasoranti is credited with shaping generations of leaders as a teacher and administrator. Fayemi remarked that the Afenifere leader understood early on that the future of any society rests on the quality of its education and the moral character of its citizens.

The statement also touched on Fasoranti’s consistent advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria. Fayemi described the leader's vision of "true federalism" not as a mere political slogan, but as a necessary foundation for national stability and inclusive development.

Concluding his tribute, Dr. Fayemi, on behalf of his wife, Bisi, and his family, congratulated the centenarian, stating that in an era where values are increasingly contested, Chief Fasoranti’s life proves that true leadership is measured not by power or position, but by sacrifice, consistency, and fidelity to principle.

He noted that the nation celebrates a man whose life has enriched Nigeria’s democratic journey and strengthened the voice and aspirations of the Yoruba people.

OYEBANJI’S STATEWIDE GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES MONDAY AS TOUR RECORDS MASSIVE SUCCESS ACROSS EKITI.

OYEBANJI’S STATEWIDE GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES MONDAY AS TOUR RECORDS MASSIVE SUCCESS ACROSS EKITI.

The statewide grassroots engagement and Local Government tour of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will continue on Monday, May 11, 2026 with visits to Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Government Areas. 

The engagement train will move to Ekiti South West and Irepodun/ Ifelodun local Government areas on Tuesday; while the last leg of the local government tour will hold in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday. 

Since the commencement of the statewide tour, the engagement has recorded tremendous success, with unprecedented turnout, enthusiastic participation, and overwhelming support from party faithful, community leaders, youths, women groups, artisans, and other stakeholders across the various Local Government Areas visited.

The massive reception witnessed throughout the tour is a clear demonstration of the people’s appreciation of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership, developmental strides, and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ekiti State.

The Campaign Council expresses profound appreciation to party leaders, members, supporters, and residents of all the Local Government Areas visited so far for their warm reception, peaceful conduct, and steadfast support for the BAO administration.

As the tour continues on Monday, all party faithful and stakeholders in Ijero, Efon, and Ekiti West Local Government Areas are encouraged to come out in large numbers to receive the Governor and the campaign team.

In line with earlier directives, members of the public are advised to remain within their respective Local Government Areas, while participation in the organized moving entourage remains strictly limited to duly approved individuals already contacted by the Campaign Council.

The Campaign Council once again reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, orderly, and issue-based campaign anchored on performance, continuity, and sustainable development for the people of Ekiti State.

GJZ Scales APC Screening, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Representation.

GJZ Scales APC Screening, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Representation.

A House of Representatives aspirant for Ekiti North Federal Constituency I under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Gbenga Joseph Zaccheus, popularly known as GJZ Hope for Reformation, has successfully completed his screening exercise at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The screening, held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, marks another significant step in the lawmaker hopeful’s bid to represent the people of Ikole and Oye Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, GJZ expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the screening process, describing it as transparent, orderly, and credible.

The aspirant said his ambition is rooted in a strong desire to provide purposeful and people-oriented representation capable of addressing the developmental needs of the constituency.

He pledged to champion policies that would promote youth empowerment, infrastructural development, improved welfare, and grassroots advancement if elected into office.

According to him, his aspiration also aligns with the developmental vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Prosperity Agenda as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am committed to offering effective representation that will directly impact the lives of our people positively. Our constituency deserves quality leadership that listens, responds, and delivers democratic dividends to the grassroots,” he stated.

GJZ further noted that the successful completion of the screening exercise represents a major stride in his political journey and a strong indication that victory is achievable with the continued support of party faithful and constituents.

He called on members and supporters of the APC across Ekiti North Federal Constituency I to remain united and committed to the progress of the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The aspirant also urged party loyalists to work tirelessly for the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 governorship election, stressing that the governor has demonstrated inclusive leadership and remarkable commitment to the development of Ekiti State.

He added that supporting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election would ensure continuity of good governance and sustained progress across the state.