Oyebanji declares bid to contest again, denies caucus, rift with Fayemi

Abolaji Adebayo

Following an overwhelming wave of public endorsement and support across party lines, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has formally declared his intention to contest for a second term.

Oyebanji, who made his intention known yesterday during a meeting with members of the Central Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, cited the need to consolidate on the gains of his first tenure and to continue delivering quality governance, as well as the encouragement and overwhelming support he had received across the state, which included traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil servants, artisans, youth groups, market women, drivers’ unions and political leaders across party lines.

Expressing his appreciation to the party leadership for their trust and confidence in his administration and highlighting his administration’s achievements in less than three years in office, Governor Oyebanji said he had fulfilled his campaign promises to the party leadership and the people of Ekiti State.

Emphasising his commitment to the principles of democracy and internal democracy within the party, he noted APC in Ekiti remained one big family, stressing that there was no division in the party.

The governor, who reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for former governors of the state, who he described as “the leaders of the party”, said their contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Ekiti remained invaluable.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to accord them the honour and recognition they deserved as elder statesmen and foundational pillars of the party.

Oyebanji assured the party leadership that his government would ensure APC remained attractive to the people.

He says any interested governorship aspirant within the party is free to contest for the party’s ticket.

He urged the residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the June 2026 governorship election, to be able to vote and ensure their voices are heard.

He thanked President Tinubu for his support to Ekiti State, noting that the President’s economic

policies had helped the state develop rapidly.

“Let me assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC. Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership,’’ Oyebanji said.

The governor’s declaration was greeted with a thunderous applause by those in attendance at the meeting.

The Chairman of APC in Ekiti State, Sola Elesin, a lawyer, hailed Governor Oyebanji for his leadership style and commitment to the growth and development of the state and the party.

He described the governor as a unifying figure, whose humility, accessibility and performance in office had endeared him to party members, Ekiti leaders and the public.

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, among others.