Adebayo Adenrele
In less than 50 days to the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti state, Leader of the Senate and the Lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political stakeholders expressed strong confidence in the reelection bid of Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The show of support came during a political rally in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II consisting of Ijero, Efon and Aramoko, in continuation of Oyebanji’s campaign and statewide engagement with citizens and stakeholders ahead of the gubernatorial poll.
Addressing supporters at the rally in the Constituency, Bamidele, who also doubles as the All Progressive Congress (APC) State Governorship Campaign Council, thanked residents for their steadfast support and consistency.
He said the rally reflected the collective resolve of the people to support policies aimed at improving security and living standards across the country.
His words, “I want to thank the local government for the support they have given us. On behalf of the APC State Governorship Campaign Council, I want to say that we are grateful to all of you for your consistency and support, and to all those who organized this rally, God bless you.
“I am here to thank you for helping us make this country a better place for our people and to make their lives more secure.
“When we talk about the election, it is not just about politics alone; we are concerned about the rights of the people and the support of our people.”
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the Audit Service Commission, Honourable Akinleye Simon Ekundayo, popularly known as Maxima and identified with former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s political faction, openly declared support for Oyebanji’s reelection.
Ekundayo said the governor had brought peace and a new political atmosphere to Ekiti State, unlike previous periods characterised by political tension and conflict.
He disclosed that members of the Fayose in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family would support Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, despite remaining members of the PDP.
According to him, the group’s immediate focus was supporting the governor’s reelection bid, describing Oyebanji as a leader who had transformed governance and politics in the state.
“The governor deserves all the support, especially from our leader, Osoko, His Excellency, Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, because Governor Abayomi Oyebanji has brought a new face to politics in Ekiti State.
“He has changed everything. We have never experienced this kind of peaceful atmosphere before. At a time like this in the past, there would have been political tension everywhere, but Ekiti State has remained peaceful.
“It is our prayer that whoever succeeds him after 2030 will continue in the same manner.
“My message to my followers is this: we are members of the PDP, but we are also supporters and staunch followers of BAO. We are telling our members that come June 2026, the Osoko PDP family will vote for BAO”.
Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the crowd, expressed confidence that the Local Governments would overwhelmingly support his second-term ambition, noting that the areaa had consistently demonstrated progressive political tendencies in previous election cycles.
The governor charged party leaders and supporters to work towards delivering not less than 500,000 votes in the election, insisting that the target could even be surpassed.
Oyebanji attributed the achievements of his administration in sectors such as education, infrastructure, healthcare and human capital development to the support of the people and the backing of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Former member of the House of Representatives and current Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Wunmi Ogunlola, also declared confidence in the governor’s popularity in Ijero and other parts of the state.
Ogunlola said the large turnout at the rally was evidence of the governor’s acceptance among the people. She praised Oyebanji for projects executed in Ijero, particularly the upgrade of the School of Health Technology to a full-fledged polytechnic, as well as the renovation and fencing of health centres across the local government.
According to her, residents of Ijero would reward the governor with massive votes in appreciation of his developmental strides.
“With what we have seen today, can anybody still doubt the possibility of delivering 500,000 votes?
“The facts speak for themselves. You can see the crowd that turned out for Governor BAO’s campaign, and it is because of the achievements of the governor and what he has done for the local governments.
“We have done well in the past and I believe we are going to do even more. Beyond the number the governor is asking for, I believe we are capable of exceeding it.
“I want to speak on behalf of Ijero. We shall deliver massive votes for our amiable governor. He has done many wonderful things for us in Ijero, especially the upgrade of the School of Health Technology, which is now a full Polytechnic.
“All our health centres have been fenced and renovated because health is a priority for him.
“We love our governor in Ijero. He is not a burden to us, and we are going to give him our full support”.
Also speaking at the rally, the Cordinator of the City Boy Movement in Ekiti State, Kasali Oluwafemi, lauded the governor for prioritizing youth development and rekindling hope among young people in the state.
He said Oyebanji had redefined governance and infrastructural development in Ekiti, adding that the administration had created a foundation for continuity beyond 2030.
