President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called on the people of Ekiti to vote massively for the reelection of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji during the June 20 gubernatorial election.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call in Ado-Ekiti at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Grand Finale Mega Rally.
The Nigerian leader maintained that Oyebanji’s continuity was an investment in the state’s peace, progress, and future.
Tinubu told the people of the state that the joint ticket of Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, was a ticket of balance, experience, and continuity.
The President, who said the ticket deserves renewal, noted that instead of a routine contest in Saturday’s governorship poll, Ekiti was standing at the gate to a larger Nigerian journey.
” The task before you is simple, sacred, and historic. Go out and vote. Speak to your neighbours. Speak to your families.
” Speak to your wards, your unions, your communities, and your friends. Tell them that continuity in Ekiti is not a favour to one man.
”It is an investment in the peace, progress, and future of this state.
“So, I ask you, sons and daughters of this proud land, to march to the polling units in your numbers and cast your votes for Biodun Oyebanji and his worthy Deputy, Mrs Afuye.
”Give them the mandate to finish the work they have so faithfully begun. Stand with them as steadfastly as they have stood with you.”
He noted that the mammoth crowd that gathered at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion was an indication that the people of the state are together with the APC and the government at the centre.
” Rather than approaching leadership as a theatre, the governor understands that government must touch the market woman, teacher, civil servant, farmer, students, drivers, traders, and the family waiting for hope at the end of each month.”
Tinubu stated that Oyebanji has shown dedication to the welfare of Ekiti people, carried himself with humility, governed with patience, and listened with respect.
“In governor Oyebanji, Ekiti has a son who did not come to experiment with the state. He came prepared.
“He came with knowledge of the land. He came with respect for elders, with regard for institutions, and with a heart open to the young.
“He has not spent his time fighting shadows. He has spent it building bridges, strengthening trust, and keeping the machinery of government focused on service.”
The President described the joint ticket as one of balance, experience, and continuity that has worked, and therefore deserves renewal.
“APC’s stability is not an accident but a product of sacrifice by noble leaders like Oyebanji, leaders who understand that politics without discipline becomes confusion and ambition without order becomes injury to the people,” he said.
Tinubu assured the people that the Federal Government would work hand in hand with the governor to deepen development, expand opportunity, support enterprise, strengthen security, and widen the road to shared prosperity.
Also, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji “as the most friendly parliamentary governor in Nigeria”.
He stated that the governor has performed excellently and deserves to be reelected by the state’s people.
“Therefore, on election day, when you go to the polling unit and collect the ballot paper, look for the broom.
“Once you vote for the broom, you have voted for the continuity of good governance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State,” he said.
Similarly, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the governor’s leadership style exemplifies the true philosophy of the APC.
He applauded the governor’s achievements in education, healthcare delivery and infrastructure development, saying, “I saw the roads that you have constructed; take a bow and take your votes.”
Earlier, Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their tremendous support for the state’s progress and development since they assumed office in 2023.
The governor, who expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti for entrusting him with their mandate, appealed to them to shun all forms of violence before, during and after the June 20 gubernatorial election in the state.
“I don’t have much to say other than to thank the people of Ekiti State. Close to four years ago, we entered into a social contract with you that we would serve you.
” You can attest to the fact that with the help of God and the support of Mr President, we have served you well.
“My plea to you on Saturday is that you go out and cast your votes for the APC.
” Our symbol is the broom, and when you vote for the broom, you are voting for the continuation of our shared prosperity agenda.
” Please be at peace with yourself. Don’t fight with anybody. Let us exercise our civil duty to celebrate democracy,” Oyebanji said.
Before proceeding to the venue of the mega rally, Tinubu paid homage to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, where he expressed gratitude to the royal father.
The President urged the traditional ruler to join hands with the governor to develop Ekiti.
Responding, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Shettima for their efforts to boost the education sector.
He particularly commended Tinubu for establishing NELFUND, which he said has assisted many Ekiti indigenes.
Similarly, the President also met with members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council at Government House, where he assured them of the federal government’s continuous support.
The Chairman of the Council and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu-Adejimi Alagbado, thanked the President for coming to Ekiti.
” This is an indication of the love Mr President has shown to the state.”
The traditional ruler pledged the support of all the traditional rulers to the administration of President Tinubu, the reelection of Ekiti governor and the President for a second term.
