Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has formally declared his intention to seek a second term in office, following what he described as an overwhelming wave of public endorsement and political support across the state.
The governor made his declaration during a Monday meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress Central Working Committee at the APC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oyebanji cited the encouragement he had received from traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil servants, artisans, youth groups, market women, drivers’ unions and political leaders across party lines as part of his decision to run again.
He said the move was also to consolidate on the gains of his first term and to continue delivering quality governance.
He expressed appreciation to the party leadership for their support, saying, “Let me start by appreciating you, thank you for your support, endurance and for holding the party, on behalf of myself, the Deputy Governor and other political office holders.
“We are extremely grateful for your prayers and understanding and I also thank you on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement.”
Oyebanji also stressed that the APC in Ekiti remained one united family and dismissed claims of internal crisis.
“Let me also assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC, our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership,” the governor said.
He used the opportunity to formally notify the party of his second-term ambition.
“I will also use this opportunity to inform you that I have listened to you and I am formally informing the party that I will run for second term.
“So, I plead for your support and prayers and by His grace, I will continue to respect you,” Oyebanji added.
The governor reaffirmed his loyalty to former governors of the state, who he described as “leaders of the party,” and assured them that his administration would continue to honour them as elder statesmen and foundational pillars of the APC.
He also urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the June 2026 governorship election and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the state, saying the President’s economic policies had helped Ekiti to develop more rapidly.
The governor reiterated his commitment to internal democracy and said any interested aspirant within the party was free to contest for the APC ticket.
Oyebanji’s declaration was greeted with applause by party leaders in attendance.
Earlier, APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, commended Oyebanji for his leadership style and commitment to the growth of the party and the state.
He described the governor as a unifying figure whose humility, accessibility and performance had endeared him to party members and the general public.
Those present at the meeting included Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe.
