Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji Pledges Peaceful, Transparent Governorship Election

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured residents that the 2026 governorship election in the state will be conducted with the highest level of decency, transparency, and fairness. He emphasized that democracy must reflect the will of the people without intimidation, manipulation, or violence.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Tuesday evening during the 2025 Ekiti State Government Carol Service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti. He stressed that his administration would not tolerate any action capable of disrupting the peace of the state before, during, or after the election.

“As we go towards 2026, which is an election year, I made a pledge before you and God that as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), we will run the election with all decency. We will adhere strictly to the electoral acts and conduct ourselves responsibly. I have absolute faith in God that whatever He does not give, no man can have it, and my aspiration does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji urged all party aspirants to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to the people, who are the ultimate decision-makers, while reminding that power belongs to God.

Reflecting on the state’s 2025 achievements, the Governor highlighted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. He attributed much of Ekiti’s socio-economic growth to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor disclosed that, following the President’s directive, contractors have been mobilized to commence work on the Itawure–Aramoko–Ado road. He also revealed that the Ado–Ikere–Iju–Itaogbolu–Akure road is expected to be completed and commissioned by the first quarter of next year.

Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to Ekiti development, Governor Oyebanji urged critics to acknowledge the President’s interventions in the state.

Speaking on the significance of Christmas, the Governor encouraged residents to use the festive season to remember the less privileged and spread love, compassion, and kindness.

Also in attendance, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, lauded the Governor’s collaboration with the President, noting that Ekiti people are direct beneficiaries of ongoing federal and state projects. He urged residents to continue living in unity to sustain development across the state.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Assumpta Ajayi of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, called on the congregation to give generously and show selflessness, compassion, and support to the less privileged during the festive season.

Others at the event included Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; members of the National and State Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; and royal fathers.