By: Our Correspondent
Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday officially declared his intention to seek re-election in the 2026 governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while dismissing rumours of a rift with his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Speaking during a visit to the APC State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji reiterated that his relationship with former governors of the state, including Dr. Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo, remains cordial and built on mutual respect.
His visit followed speculations of a strained relationship, especially after Fayemi was noticeably absent at a recent rally where Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu received a second-term endorsement from party stakeholders and supporters.
Addressing party leaders and members, Oyebanji clarified the existing power structure within the state’s APC, noting:
“In Ekiti APC, the hierarchy is clear—Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo comes first, followed by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and I come next.
“I don’t hold party meetings in Ikogosi, my hometown. Instead, we meet at Iyin or Isan, the hometowns of Otunba Adebayo and Dr. Fayemi respectively. Maybe I’ll start hosting meetings in Ikogosi after leaving office, but not now when I still have leaders ahead of me,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to formally announce his ambition to contest for a second term, stating that he had performed creditably in his first term and earned the trust of both the party and the people of Ekiti.
He said the recent public endorsement of his candidacy, alongside that of President Tinubu, was a clear signal of the people’s confidence in their leadership.
“If we truly merit the trust reposed in us by the people, the party should allow us to run again—myself as governor in 2026 and President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
“The President has shown unwavering support for Ekiti through me. Let us show our gratitude by doubling our votes for him.”
Listing his administration’s achievements, Oyebanji highlighted infrastructure development as a key priority, revealing that over N130 billion—equivalent to the state’s entire budget three years ago—had been invested in road construction and maintenance within one year.
He also emphasized gains in welfare and security, noting that peace and stability across the state were the results of deliberate policies, including efforts to engage opposition leaders and manage public resources transparently.
To demonstrate his administration’s performance, he urged the party’s executive council to undertake a statewide inspection tour.
“Let the party executive visit all the local governments to see the work we’ve done. I believe I have represented you well,” he said.
Oyebanji further maintained that he belongs to no political caucus within the APC and holds no grudges against any member.
He was accompanied on the visit by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe.
APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, issued a statement confirming the governor’s remarks.
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