A caucus within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State under the banner of Okinlua Support Group for BAO, has begun aggressive networking for the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the ambition as justifiable and non-negotiable.
The political body loyal to the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, which has begun a house-to-house campaign to sensitize voters, said Oyebanji and his Deputy have justified the continuity agenda of the APC and worth being returned in 2026.
The Group’s Convener, Ade Adetunji, said this in Ado Ekiti, during a get-together organised for members and Award Conferment on eminent Ekiti indigenes across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Addressing the teeming supporters that thronged the venue of the event, Adetunji exuded confidence that Oyebanji would have a smooth sail in his second term bid based on his superlative performance, electrifying popularity and strong connections with the grassroots.
Harping on aggressive networking and mobilisation drives for APC, Adetunji appealed to members to begin to showcase the achievement profile and good works being undertaken by the APC -led government in Ekiti up to the grassroots.
According to him, “We have a lot of programmes we have packaged to market Governor Oyebanji/Afuye second term candidacy. We are not doing this for personal aggrandizement, but to show that the current government has really worked hard and earned being returned.
“The Oyebanji-led government has impressed the citizens with prompt payment of salary, pension and deduction of workers. Before, N100m was being paid monthly to defray gratuity arrears, Governor Oyebanji has increased it to N500m.
“Ekiti people can’t forget the employment of over 3,000 teachers and civil servants within a year. Now, about 15 road projects are under construction. The proposed flyover and efforts to make our Cargo Airport fully operational are making us proud.
“Our duty now is to begin aggressive mobilisation, ensure unity, stability in APC and strong networking with other stakeholders across party and religious lines on the need to return Oyebanji in 2026. With this trend of development, Governor Oyebanji’s reelection is non-negotiable.”
Applauding the group for acting as a great ally to the government, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Afuye, praised members for acting as through disciples of Governor Oyebanji with the way it has been spreading the good agenda of government in all sectors of the economy.
Afuye, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, said the current government is incurably desirous of going all hogs to fasttrack development to the state and tackle endemic unemployment and poverty level.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji has no other task than bringing development to Ekiti. That was why he has committed himself to the prompt payment of salary, pension, gratuity and provision of infrastructures like ring road, flyover and employment generation to strengthen business activities.
“Very soon, the International Cargo Airport will begin full operation. Another flyover is about to begin in Ado Ekiti. In less than one year, the government had employed over 3,000 into the civil service. Let me assure our citizens that many are still coming,” he said.
In his submission, the royal father of the day and Onifaki of Ifaki Ekiti, Oba Adegbemiro Falore, urged the group to continually show support and dedication to the governor, describing Oyebanji as a true friend of the masses.
Those decorated with awards of excellence included: The Senate Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, three members of the House of Representatives, Hons Sola Fatoba, Akinlayo Kolawole and Adeniyi Ojuawo, a serving commissioner, Hon. Kayode Fasae, and three serving local government chairmen, Mrs Dupe Bakare, Toyin Ojo and Michael Ogungbemi.
Others were: Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, former House of Assembly member, Engr. Kayode Fasakin, Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof Femi Akinwumi, a Petroleum Marketer, Chief Oluyemi Oladokun, Arc Tope Ogunleye, Engr Adesola Alaba and Hon Israel Adesokan.