President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji Get Unprecedented Endorsement as Ekiti Political Landscape Shifts

Ekiti State witnessed an extraordinary political convergence on Monday as thousands of supporters, political leaders, and non-partisan groups gathered at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti to unanimously endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second terms in their respective offices.

The endorsement rally, which many described as the largest political event in the state’s history, saw key figures across political divides throwing their weight behind the incumbent leaders. Governor Oyebanji, his deputy Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and President Tinubu received an outpouring of support that cut across party lines and demographics, symbolizing a rare moment of unity and continuity in the state’s political space.

The crowd, which included artisans, market women, teachers, professionals, and traditional rulers, filled the sprawling pavilion and its surrounding streets. The event also marked a boost to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as several influential politicians from opposition parties announced their defection.

Ayedatiwa, Fayose, Others Laud Tinubu, Oyebanji’s Leadership

In a show of regional solidarity, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa joined former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Segun Oni in praising Tinubu and Oyebanji as transformational leaders deserving of continued support. Despite their varied political backgrounds, the leaders agreed that both men had brought measurable development and stability to their respective jurisdictions.

Fayose, a well-known PDP stalwart, described the endorsement as a necessary recognition of progress, noting that “Governor Oyebanji has surprised everyone with his calm, focused and impactful leadership. I may be of the opposition, but truth must be told—he is doing well.” Governor Aiyedatiwa similarly emphasized that “Tinubu and Oyebanji are good products. When a product works, you don’t change it.”

The bipartisan nature of the endorsement, particularly with Fayose and Oni standing alongside APC leaders, sent a strong message of political maturity and the urgent need to prioritize development over partisanship.

Senator Olujimi, PDP Leaders Defect as APC Gains Momentum

Adding further weight to the event’s political significance, former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally defected to the APC alongside prominent allies. They included Obafemi Adewale (SAN), a former Attorney General of Ekiti State, and Hon. Babatunde Omolayo, a member of the State Assembly.

This dramatic shift bolstered the APC’s dominance in the state and was viewed as a strategic win ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial and 2027 presidential elections. Their defection was met with thunderous applause, symbolizing what some political observers described as the “final collapse of organized opposition in Ekiti.”

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, flanked by former and current federal lawmakers from the state, moved the formal motion for Tinubu’s second-term endorsement. This was seconded by Hon. Femi Bamisile of the House of Representatives, followed by a letter of endorsement presented to APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

Ekiti House Endorses Oyebanji in Resounding Voice Vote

In a similar fashion, the Ekiti State House of Assembly formally endorsed Governor Oyebanji for another term. The motion was moved by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, and seconded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju. The motion was unanimously ratified by the crowd in a roaring “yes” vote that echoed across the pavilion.

Governor Oyebanji, visibly moved by the massive show of support, pledged to accelerate development efforts and remain humble in service. “This endorsement will rev up our efforts. I am touched by your trust, and I will not take this for granted,” he said. He also reiterated that the endorsement did not exclude others from contesting under the APC, maintaining his respect for constitutional democracy.

Oyebanji noted that Ekiti remains unwavering in its loyalty to Tinubu, declaring that the state would outperform its 2023 voting numbers in the next presidential election. “Ekiti delivered first in 2023, and in 2027, we will do even better,” he added.

Tinubu’s Influence in Ekiti Cements Political Stronghold in Southwest

Governor Oyebanji revealed that President Tinubu had personally sent words of appreciation to the people of Ekiti for the unprecedented endorsement. “He asked me to thank you for the confidence and tell you that your loyalty is deeply appreciated,” he said.

Highlighting his administration’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyebanji cited the full reconstruction of the 19-kilometre Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road as a demonstration of federal-state synergy. He further applauded Tinubu’s commitment to Ekiti’s infrastructural growth, citing key projects in education, healthcare, and road construction.

The event, political analysts say, has now solidified Ekiti as a stronghold of the APC and a pivotal base for Tinubu’s Southwest political structure heading into 2027. As Governor Oyebanji put it, “Ekiti is a land of honour, and in Tinubu, we have a President we are proud of. We stand firm with him and will continue to grow under his leadership.”