Political Titans Rally Behind Tinubu, Oyebanji’s Re-Election Bids in Historic Ekiti Gathering
In what many described as an unprecedented political convergence in Ekiti State, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside prominent political figures and non-partisan groups, threw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, endorsing their re-election bids for 2027 and 2026 respectively.
Held at the expansive Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the endorsement rally also included support for Oyebanji’s deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye. Notably, the event brought together a diverse cast of political heavyweights including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and three former Ekiti governors — Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Segun Oni — as well as the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Each took turns praising the achievements of Tinubu and Oyebanji before formally endorsing them for another term in office.
Significantly, the APC ranks swelled during the occasion, with high-profile defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Among them were former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, ex-Attorney General Obafemi Adewale (SAN), and Hon. Babatunde Omolayo of the State Assembly — all of whom joined the APC with their supporters.
As the momentum built, Senator Bamidele, flanked by serving and former lawmakers, moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, seconded by Rep. Femi Bamisile. Likewise, Ekiti Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye moved the motion for Oyebanji’s re-election, seconded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, with the crowd enthusiastically affirming the resolution.
In response, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep gratitude, noting that the show of support would energize him to intensify development efforts. Emphasizing inclusivity, he assured that the endorsement would not preclude others from contesting the APC ticket, citing Nigeria’s constitutional provisions for free and fair competition.
Sending a clear message to the opposition, Oyebanji declared that Ekiti remains firmly behind APC, praising Tinubu as “a president in whom Ekiti is well pleased.” He reminded the crowd that Ekiti was the first Southwest state to deliver victory for Tinubu in 2023 and vowed an even stronger showing in 2027.
Speaking in solidarity, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged massive support for Oyebanji, noting the alignment between state and federal leadership as a crucial driver for economic growth in Ekiti. “He’s not just winning — he must win overwhelmingly,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
Former Governor Fayose called the event historic, saying his support was without reservation. He urged the crowd to help Oyebanji replicate his own record of sweeping all 16 LGAs and 168 wards in a past election.
Backing this sentiment, former governors Oni and Adebayo emphasized Tinubu’s reform efforts and praised Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership style. “Ekiti must be part of Tinubu’s revolution,” Oni said.
Senator Bamidele underlined the need for continuity, arguing that both Tinubu and Oyebanji had made courageous and necessary decisions to secure Nigeria’s democratic and economic future.
APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, lauded the endorsement as evidence that the federal government had not let Nigerians down. He urged the Yoruba people to remain united and commended Oyebanji for advancing governance in Ekiti.
After receiving the official endorsement letters, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje reiterated the party’s commitment to free and fair primaries but acknowledged the significance of the endorsements. “With this strong backing from party elders and even opposition leaders, we will convey your message to the APC leadership,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Senator Olujimi declared Tinubu and Oyebanji’s second terms as inevitable, calling the joint endorsement a step toward national and state transformation.
With overtones of unity, strategy, and confidence, the event signaled the beginning of a strong re-election campaign in Ekiti — one that may reshape political alignments in the Southwest ahead of 2026 and 2027.
