…seconds endorsement for second term
By Rotimi Idris
A federal lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, Hon Femi Bamisile said the state Governor , Biodun Oyebanji has elevated the spirit of unity and homogeneity among Ekiti indigenes, as against the old tradition of disunity and acrimony.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation, also hailed the giant strides of the state’s helmsman in youth development, agriculture, security, among others.
These, he said are parameters that must be critically assessed by the residents of Ekiti to make sure he return to office in 2026.
Bamisile stated this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.
This was just after the All Progressives Congress endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term in 2026.
Adducing strongpoint for backing the move, the former Ekiti Assembly’s Speaker, said he was deeply enthralled by the party’s well contrived action on the premise that Governor Oyebanji’s performance rating appeals to every stratum of Ekiti populace .
Recall that last week, APC’s State Working Committee, led by its Acting Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, had unanimously passed a confidence vote in Governor Oyebanji and as well endorsed him to take another shot for governorship in 2026 poll, having performed creditably well in the last 20 months.
Expressing support for the endorsement in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, Bamisile described the action as commendable and highly exhilarating.
Bamisile asserted that the governor by competence, conduct and comportment, has proven to be a pride, not only to APC, but to the entire Ekiti populace, saying propelling him for a second term was neither a misplaced nor preposterous action.
The federal lawmaker was emphatic that the party’s action was a well calculated political move that would further solidify its membership base and strengthen its cord of unity, saying allowing the best candidate to fly the party’s flag always makes a political opponent easier to trounce.
Bamisile praised the party leaders and members for embracing the party’s shrewd political move without dissension, which he said further amplified how acceptable the governor was to all APC adherents in Ekiti.
He said, “This is the first time we will have a governor that truly promotes that impression that Ekiti is homogenous in all ramifications.
“In the same vein, this is the first time we will have a governor that will make friendship with all our political leaders across all divides and elder-statesmen and those that matter in Ekiti project.
“His relationships with the APC leaders and former Governors Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi was superb. He has demonstrated respect even for former governors who are opposition leaders; like Dr Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni, while also carrying along revered elder-statesmen like Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), Barr. Femi Falana (SAN) and those who matter in the scheme of things.
“Across all the 16 local government, the chant of BAO was resonating, which buttressed how inclusive the current government was to civil servants through prompt payment of salary and deductions, pensioners through regular payment of pension and gratuity, and traders, commercial motorcyclists, farmers, youth and others through major empowerment and financial support.
“Performance and acceptability remain the Hallmark of leadership. From infrastructure to youth development, agriculture, governance and security, Governor Oyebanji has changed the face of politics within 20 months.
“This is the kind of inclusivity and unity of purpose we must promote by returning the governor to his seat in 2026 to continue with his good works”.