President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji's re-election bid in Ekiti State. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at an APC rally in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Tinubu praised Oyebanji's readiness to lead when he took office.
The rally drew massive crowds of party members and supporters from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. All showed solidarity with Oyebanji's push for a second term ahead of the June 20 election.
Tinubu commended Ekiti residents for their long loyalty to the APC. He noted that the state is fortunate to have Oyebanji leading it currently.
"On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better," Shettima stated on the president's behalf. Tinubu described Oyebanji's approach to governance as one rooted in service, not oppression.
The president highlighted the governor's humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and predecessors. He observed that absence of opposition posters across Ekiti reflects Oyebanji's widespread acceptance among voters.
Symbolically, Tinubu handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies present at the event. He urged them to secure victory for the incumbent governor.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who chairs the APC National Campaign Council, described Oyebanji's popularity as electrifying. His words reflected confidence within party ranks about the governor's chances.
Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the APC Governors Forum, said the party's visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. According to him, only the APC campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwadta stressed the party's confidence wasn't based on federal power alone. Rather, it rested on Oyebanji's genuine connection with ordinary Ekiti residents.
Governor Oyebanji, flanked by his wife Dr Olayemi and Deputy Monisade Afuye, appeared visibly elated at the show of support. He said he wasn't banking on federal machinery but on his track record and promises kept since 2022.
Oyebanji appealed for a peaceful election process. He pledged that his second term would surpass achievements recorded over the past three and a half years.
