Ekiti State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing their exemplary leadership qualities and impactful policies as reason for their endorsement.
The endorsement, which was passed at a special Caucus meeting of the state chapter of APC held at Iyin Ekiti, was attended by the first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and the immediate past Governor of the state Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as the incumbent Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.
Also in attendance were the state Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; serving and former members of the National and State Assembly, Party Chieftains, Among others.
Speaking while moving the endorsement motion, which was ratified through a very loud voice vote, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), commended President Tinubu for his decisive economic reforms that have revitalized the country’s economy as well as his comprehensive security strategies that have addressed the root cause of insecurity in the country within one and half years in office.
He said for these reasons and several other positive outcomes, the President deserved to be supported for re-election in order to sustain the gains and ensure their long term effect.
Describing the President’s reforms as “transformational”, with profound impact on the socio-economic landscape, Senator Adaramodu said “I, on behalf of the National Assembly Caucus and as a true progressive member of our great party, APC, I move that we in Ekiti APC, want to adopt continuity, starting from our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that comes 2027, we are moving that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the Renew Hope Agenda shall continually be renewed”.
Addressing concerns over high-profile political alignments outside the APC, the Senator insisted the party remains unshaken. “We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”
While moving the motion for the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji for re- election, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, said the Governor had demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities characterised by his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people and all round development of the state.
The Speaker praised the Governor for making the party highly acceptable to the people through his sterling performance, people-oriented policies and programs as well as consistently prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the citizens, thereby fostering trust and unity across the state.
The Speaker said “I, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, rise to move a motion of utmost importance concerning the leadership of our great party, APC under the leadership of our dear Governor Biodun Oyebanji who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities characterised by integrity, dedication and deep commitment to the welfare and development of Ekiti and that his sterling performance has resulted in remarkable infrastructure development, enhance security, improved healthcare, education outcomes and the overall social economic growth of the state, I therefore move that this distinguished caucus of our great party APC, in Ekiti pass a vote of confidence in Governor Oyebanji, affirming our unwavering support for his leadership and vision for Ekiti.
“Furthermore I move that this caucus endorse Governor Oyebanji to contest the forth coming 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State”
Earlier in his welcome address, the State APC Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, who thanked Governor Oyebanji for making the party highly attractive and acceptable to all indigenes of the state through his remarkable developmental strides, maintained that no town in the state was left out of various government’s interventions which include infrastructure development, rural electrification, healthcare improvement, agric revolution, and youth empowerment, among others.
Also in his remarks, the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Kayode Fayemi said “Generally speaking, I think we have a lot to thank God for and we must thank our Governor, everywhere we turn to its BAO, our leader and I do exchange notes regularly, when i was coming back to the country yesterday morning, I travelled with somebody from the Senate from London and he said thank you very much for the Governor. He said I went to Ekiti for Senator Bamidele’s conferment of honourary degree, you need to extend Ekiti magic to the rest of the country to help us. This is all due to the way our Governor has conducted himself and how he conveyed his sense of humility and service to the party both at the national and the state levels, and that is why we are all gathered here to happily work together with him to accomplish the task of greater development for the people”. He said.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to leaders of the party for their belief in his leadership acumen and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for creating a conducive environment that has allowed states to thrive through bold national policies and reforms.
“I stand here this afternoon to give glory to God for a day like this, my appreciation goes to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for us in Ekiti, this support has been the enabler for everything we have been able to achieve in the state.
“After him, I thank the father of the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, I thank you for your support. I count myself lucky to have former Governor Adebayo and Dr Fayemi in my corner and I count it as a blessing for Ekiti State, not all states have leaders that are committed to the development of their state and the people”, the Governor asserted.
Addressing concerns over high-profile political alignments outside the APC, he insisted the party remains unshaken.
“We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”
Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first civilian Governor of Ekiti, stated that the caucus has made itself very clear: “We are all in support of the Governor contesting for another term.
“Everyone is pleased with the work he is doing, and we believe he should seek re-election. He has our full support as he continues his leadership journey.”
“Similarly, the caucus reiterated its support for the President, acknowledging the positive strides made under his administration.
“The President’s accomplishments have been well noted, and the caucus remains firm in its earlier position, urging him to also run for another term.” , he added.
