Show your intention for second term now, Ekiti group tells Oyebanji

A political group in Ekiti State, BAO Agenda 2026 has called on the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, not to hesitate to declare his interest for another term of four years as the coast is already clear for him.

The group, speaking in a statement on Sunday through its state Coordinator, Moshood Lawal; State Secretary, Olufemi Aduloju; and Media Officer, Ms Yewande Aribasoye, said, “We are calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to show his intention for a second term now. Ekiti people are eagerly waiting for his declaration of interest”.

The group spoke just as the Ekiti State All Progressives Caucus on Saturday resolved that Oyebanji had represented the party well as the sitting governor, and as such deserved a second term in office to sustain the good work.

More so the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, in a statement on Sunday, said, the state caucus, which is the highest decision-making body of the party in the state, said, “While the campaign time is still not ripe, the good work of Governor Oyebanji should be encouraged to continue and continually proclaimed by all”.

The next governorship election in the state will be held in 2026.

BAO Agenda, which said everything including his achievements in office had favoured Oyebanji for another term, said, “We emphasise the governor’s inclusive governance and grassroots development.

“Oyebanji’s continuation of ongoing projects and introduction of human-oriented policies like Ojuse BAO and free education have significantly benefitted both indigenes and non-indigenes of Ekiti and have earned the governor Ekiti people’s nod for him to re-contest.

“Lawal, Aduloju and Aribasoye said that the laudable achievements of Oyebanji have already made it difficult for any force within and outside his party to stand against his re-election bid.”

The group expressed readiness “to embark on intensive mobilisation for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“Oyebanji should not hesitate to do the needful as various groups and communities have already been endorsing him ahead of the 2026 governorship election. As a group championing the cause for his re-election, we are ready to work for his victory.”

A former governor, Niyi Adebayo, who convened the APC Caucus meeting, expressed satisfaction with members’ conduct and the good name that Oyebanji was building for the party.

Adebayo encouraged party leaders to keep speaking with one voice and not allow any crack within the fold.

Also, the immediate past governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who urged members to feel comfortable, assured that “the way Governor Oyebanji has been relating with members of the opposition, waving olive branch towards them will count for us as the ruling party.”

The APC acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin, urged the party leaders to consider the building of the party Secretariat as a priority project and legacy in honour of the late party chairman, Paul Omotoso.

In attendance at the meeting included Oyebanji; the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye; House of Representatives member, Femi Bamisile; former Deputy Governor, Abiodun Aluko; and the Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Jide Awe.