Ekiti 2026: Shettima, 18 Governors, and 42 NASS Members Rally to Support Gov. Oyebanji

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A large display of political solidarity unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday as Vice President Kashim Shettima, 18 governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, 24 senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives gathered in the state to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

The event, which drew thousands of party supporters from across the 16 local government areas of the state, also featured former governors of Ekiti State, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and governors from Imo, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ondo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kogi, Bayelsa, Ogun and other states.

Speaking at the rally, Vice President Shettima praised Governor Oyebanji as a hardworking, results‑oriented leader whose performance has earned admiration from leaders across the political spectrum.

Shettima noted that the projects he commissioned during his recent visit to the state demonstrate Oyebanji’s commitment to Ekiti’s development.

“You have a very hardworking Governor. All former governors are here to support him,” Shettima said. “I have commissioned several projects in Ekiti, and these are a testament to his commitment to developing Ekiti State.”

Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, also spoke, asserting that the APC remains the dominant political force in Ekiti and citing the party’s overwhelming support across the state.

“We saw enormous support for BAO across the 16 local government areas. APC is the only party that can campaign door‑to‑door,” Uzodinma said. “We are not responsible for the failure of the opposition in Ekiti State. I urge you to support BAO and President Bola Tinubu. Shun violence; we are confident of what we have seen today. We can see in every home that BAO has done well.”

In a gesture of bipartisan support, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised the Governor’s inclusive style of governance and expressed confidence that Oyebanji would make history at the polls.

Professor Yilwatda lauded Oyebanji’s achievements in office and urged the people of Ekiti to reward him with their votes.

Senate President Akpabio praised Oyebanji’s leadership qualities, describing him as humble, trustworthy and gender‑sensitive.

He said the unprecedented gathering of political leaders at the rally was a testament to the governor’s popularity and performance.

The Senate President urged voters not to be complacent despite the governor’s apparent popularity.

“The reason we have gathered here is to support not only a performing governor but a humble man. He is gender‑sensitive and we are here to support the women of Ekiti. From the airport down here, we have not seen a single pothole. Oyebanji is trustworthy, humble and a performer. He loves Ekiti people and the youths have said so. There’s no former governor that is not here. What we are seeing here is what democracy should be,” he said.

“Go out and vote. Don’t say he has already won. Shun violence and display peace. You are among the most peaceful people in Nigeria,” Akpabio added.

In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of the state and the APC leaders for their confidence in his administration.

The governor said his administration had kept its promises to the people at the start of his tenure and pledged to do more if re‑elected.

“I don’t have much to say other than to say thank you. A few years ago, we made a promise to you that we were going to serve you well, and I believe we have done well. These are things you can see and touch, and we are ready to do more. My appeal to you is to go out and cast your votes. Be at peace with yourselves, let us go out that day to cast our votes and celebrate democracy.”

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