Janet Samuel
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, on Wednesday, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, signaling his intention to seek re-election in the 2026 governorship poll.
Addressing journalists after the submission, Oyebanji said his re-election bid is anchored on the mantra of continuity for shared prosperity, stressing that his administration has made significant strides in delivering on promises made to the people.
“When we campaigned three years ago, it was on the mantra of continuity for shared prosperity, building on the work of past administrations and creating an ecosystem that delivers prosperity to our people,” the governor said. “In less than three years, we have achieved close to 80% completion of inherited projects, because these projects belong to the people and were funded with public resources.”
Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, electricity, and healthcare, Oyebanji noted that more than 60 communities previously in darkness for nearly two decades have been reconnected to the national grid. He added that his government has prioritised healthcare reforms by upgrading facilities from primary to tertiary levels, ensuring parity in remuneration for doctors and health workers, while consistently paying pensions and gratuities.
Beyond physical projects, the governor emphasised his commitment to restoring trust in governance through reforms in the civil service, insisting that leadership must be anchored on keeping promises.
Looking ahead, Oyebanji identified education as his next major focus area. “My desire is to see modern learning tools, such as electronic boards, in all schools in Ekiti State. Education remains the pathway to productivity and prosperity, and we will focus more on innovation and technology to prepare our people for the challenges of the 21st century,” he stated.
Responding to speculations of division within the APC in Ekiti, Oyebanji dismissed the claims as mere propaganda, pointing to the massive turnout of stakeholders at the submission as evidence of party unity. “Former governors, deputy governors, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders are united behind the APC in Ekiti State. Ours is one of the strongest chapters in the country,” he assured.
Also speaking, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, lauded Oyebanji’s performance in office, describing his leadership as one that has brought infrastructure, human capital development, and political stability to Ekiti.
“Our governor has delivered, and for the first time, stakeholders across board, past governors, lawmakers, and party leaders are on the same page. This is a broad consensus, and we are confident of victory in the primaries and the election,” Bamidele said.
The APC governorship primary election in Ekiti State is scheduled for October 27, 2025.
