By Rotimi Ojomoyela
ADO-EKITI — VICE President Kashim Shettima, 18 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, 24 senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives converged on Ekiti State to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The campaign grand finale, which attracted thousands of party faithful and supporters from across the 16 local government areas of the state, also had in attendance former governors of Ekiti State, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors from different states such as Imo, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ondo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kogi, Bayelsa, Ogun, among others.
Speaking at the campaign, the Vice President described Governor Oyebanji as a hardworking and result-oriented leader whose performance in office has earned him the admiration and support of leaders across political divides.
Shettima said: “You have a very hardworking Governor. All former governors are here to support him.
“I have commissioned several projects in Ekiti and these are testaments to his commitment to developing Ekiti State.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said the APC remained the dominant political force in Ekiti, citing the overwhelming support the party enjoys across the state.
“We saw enormous support for BAO across the 16 local government areas. APC is the only party that can campaign from house to house. We are not responsible for the failure of the opposition in Ekiti State.
“I urge you to support BAO and President Bola Tinubu. Shun violence; we are confident of what we have seen today. We can see in every home that BAO has done well”, he said.
In a symbolic demonstration of bipartisan support, a former governor of the state, Mr Ayodele Fayose, commended the Oyebanji’s inclusive style of governance, expressing confidence that Oyebanji would make history at the polls.
Also speaking, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio praised Oyebanji’s leadership qualities, describing him as humble, trustworthy and gender-sensitive.
He said: “The reason we have gathered here is to support not only a performing governor but a humble man.”
“He is gender-sensitive and we are here to support the women of Ekiti. From the airport down here, we have not seen a single pothole.
“Oyebanji is trustworthy, humble and a performer. He loves Ekiti people and the youths have said so.
“There’s no former governor that is not here. What we are seeing here is what democracy should be.
“Go out and vote. Don’t say he has already won. Shun violence and display peace. You are among the most peaceful people in Nigeria.”
In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of the state and leaders of the APC for their confidence in his administration.
The governor said: “Few years ago, we made a promise to you that we were going to serve you well and I believe we have done well.
“These are things you can see and touch and we are ready to do more.
“My appeal to you is to go out and cast your votes. Be at peace with yourselves, let us go out that day to cast our votes and celebrate democracy.”
