50 Real Reasons APC’s Oyebanji Will Re-Emerge Ekiti Gov In 2026

By Segun Dipe

I am not campaigning, I am only stating the facts as they are, that come rain or shine, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, code-named BAO will re-emerge the governor of Ekiti State by June 2026, having earned his second term in office. He will be representing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the coming Governorship election, having emerged as the Party candidate through consensus. He will win the election fairly and squarely, no doubt.

I wonder who and who the other political parties would be presenting, but those ones can’t be strong enough to match Oyebanji. Ordinarily, a sitting Governor, serving the first of his two constitutionally-approved terms in office, needs not sweat the small stuff to clinch his party’s primaries for the second term. He deserves an automatic ticket. It is an unwritten rule, which has yet to find its way into the Federal Constitution, the Electoral Act or the Constitution of any political party in Nigeria. A sitting governor surely deserves an offer of first refusal.

This is however still alien to the Nigerian democratic culture. Rather, any party member can drag the seat with the sitting governor, no matter how superlative the latter may have performed. Though the sitting governor would stand a better chance through the power of incumbency, the fight would have dirtied him, created bad blood among the contestants and their followers, and if not well managed, would have damaged the existing unity within the party. It would be a contest between performance and experiment, delivery and promise, “I have” and “I can.” Yet the loser, unlikely to be the sitting governor, would end up crying foul and playing the victim.

In Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is not just the sitting governor, he is a performing one. He is much loved by the people and, barring politics, they would have wished he comes back again and again to govern them beyond the constitutionally approved terms. The reasons are not far-fetched. The following count strongly in his favour:

1. *Track Record*: Oyebanji’s administration has a proven track record of delivering development projects and programs.

2. *Infrastructure Development*: Oyebanji’s government has invested in road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Also in electricity restoration.

3. *Economic Growth*: Oyebanji’s policies have promoted economic growth and investment in Ekiti State, making significant strides in improving the business environment by working to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

4. *Education*: Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized education, improved schools and educational infrastructure, thus giving access to quality education.

5. *Healthcare*: Oyebanji’s government has worked to improve healthcare services and facilities.

6. *Overwhelming Support*: Oyebanji has received endorsements from various stakeholders, including traditional chieftaincy title holders, APC leaders, and party members.

7. *Transformative Policies*: Oyebanji’s administration has implemented policies that have positively impacted the lives of Ekiti people, such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agriculture reforms.

8. *Inclusive Leadership Style*: Oyebanji’s humble approach, which emphasizes inclusivity, compassion, and integrity, has earned him widespread acceptance and support from different groups.

9. *Unity and Peace*: Oyebanji has been able to unite Ekiti people and maintain peace in the State, which is crucial for development and progress, so much that the State has been ranked the most secured in Nigeria.

10. *Developmental Progress*: Oyebanji’s administration has made significant progress in diverse areas of development, and this will boost his chances of re-election.

11. *Weak Opposition*: The PDP, being the arch rival to APC in the State as in the entire county is now unsettled, rocked by internal crisis, thus cannot feature a candidate strong enough to confront Oyebanji in the coming election. Also, bearing in mind that no other political party is visibly on ground, then it would end up as a one-horse race come 2026.

12. *APC’s Stronghold*: The APC’s strong presence in Ekiti State and Oyebanji’s influence within the party will help the party tremendously in the 2026 election.

13. *Need for Continuity*: Oyebanji’s re-election would ensure continuity of developmental projects and progress in Ekiti State.

14. *Popular Support*: The Oyebanji administration’s focus on grassroots development and people-centric policies has earned him popular support among Ekiti people.

15. *Completion of Projects*: Oyebanji’s second term would ensure the completion of numerous impactful projects already underway, which would further elevate the State’s prosperity.

16. *Broad Appeal*: Oyebanji’s policies and leadership style have appealed to a broad range of people, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and leaders of thought.

17. *Party Unity*: Oyebanji has been able to unite his party members and stakeholders behind him, which in turn has made the party formidable enough as it approaches the campaign for the 2026 governorship election.

18. *Grassroots Support*: Oyebanji administration’s focus on grassroots development has earned him support from ordinary people, which is crucial for winning elections.

19. *Vision for Ekiti*: Oyebanji’s vision for Ekiti State’s development and progress would inspire confidence in voters and contribute to his re-election.

20. *Integrity*: Oyebanji’s administration has received praises from various quarters for its integrity and transparency. This will certainly count for him in the coming governorship election.

21. *Compassion*: Oyebanji’s policies have shown compassion to the people of Ekiti State. They will certainly reciprocate with their votes for him.

22. *Party Support*: Oyebanji has received endorsements from APC leaders and stakeholders across the State and even beyond.

23. *Progressive policies*: Oyebanji administration’s policies have been progressive and beneficial to the state. This will surely count for him at the polls.

24. *Seeking brighter future for Ekiti*: Oyebanji’s leadership is geared towards securing a brighter future for Ekiti State.

25. *People-Centric Policies*: Oyebanji administration’s policies have been people-centric, focusing on the needs of Ekiti people.

26. *Accountability*: Oyebanji’s administration has been accountable to the people, which is boosting his reputation and will surely count for him in 2026.

27. *Visionary Leadership*: Oyebanji has a clear vision for Ekiti State’s development. This will count for him in the coming election.

28. *Transparency*: His administration has been transparent in its dealings. His people trust and believe him to want to give him another chance to govern them.

29. *Good Governance*: Oyebanji’s leadership has promoted good governance in Ekiti. This is a good panacea for another term.

30. *Responsiveness*: Oyebanji’s administration has been responsive to the needs of Ekiti people. They won’t dare to gamble with any other choice in the coming election.

31. *Effective Communication*: Oyebanji has effectively communicated his policies and vision to the people and they understanding him perfectly alright.

32. *Agricultural Development*: Oyebanji’s agricultural development in Ekiti State has been transformative, focusing on transforming the state’s farming sector by 2050 through a 30-year Agricultural Plan. This initiative aims to create a sustainable economy, generate jobs, and ensure food security for the people of Ekiti State. Who won’t want to vote for such a person again and again?

33. *Youth Empowerment/Support*: Oyebanji government’s policies has have appealed to the youths. His administration has engaged over 1,000 young farmers in commercial agriculture, providing training, access to credit, and guaranteed mmarkets Additionally, over 5,000 young people have been trained in entrepreneurship and financial literacy through a partnership with SMEDAN.

34. *Housing*: The government has launched the construction of 1,000 affordable housing units under the Ado Ekiti New Town Project, aiming to address the state’s housing deficit.

35. *Citizen Participation*: Oyebanji has demonstrated a commitment to citizen participation, engaging with the public and incorporating their feedback into governance. This approach has fostered a sense of ownership and accountability in the development process.

36. *Women Inclusion*: Ekiti State has become a model for gender balance under Oyebanji’s leadership, with women occupying top state positions, including deputy governor, head of service, and secretary to the state government.

37. *Farm Settlements*: Oyebanji’s administration has revived the Farm Settlements Initiative, commissioning ultramodern dormitories for youth farmers and creating new farm clusters across the state.

38. *Food Security*: Ekiti State has recorded the lowest food inflation rate in Nigeria, attributable to the surge in large-scale food production driven by the YSJ partnership. Thanks to Oyebanji’s first term with the assurance that he will he do even more in his second term.

39. *Improved rural infrastructure*: Constructing rural roads and providing access to markets, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and income generation is a sure-bet way at getting to the heart of the voters as they approach 2026.

40. *Social Inclusion*: Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized social inclusion, with projects touching over 200 towns and villages across the state’s 16 local governments.

41. *Human Capital Development*: Oyebanji’s administration has developed a comprehensive plan to guide human capital development in the state, focusing on health, education, and labor force participation.

42. *Endorsement from Traditional Rulers*: The Association of Ekiti State Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders has endorsed Oyebanji’s re-election bid, citing his transformative policies and commitment to the state’s progress.

43. *Religious Leaders’ Support*: Ditto with the religious leaders who see Oyebanji as not just religious, but spiritual and God-fearing. They are not going to sacrifice him for anyone else come 2026.

44. *Grassroots Momentum*: The BAO AGENDA 2026 group has been touring the state, garnering support from various wards and communities, indicating strong grassroots backing for the governor against 2026.

45. *Support from all the Past Governors*: The immediate past Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and other past governors like Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr. Segun Oni and Ayo Fayose have thrown their weights behind Oyebanji for a second term in office.

46. *Oyebanji’s role in the creation of Ekiti State*: Governor Biodun Oyebanji has indeed held various roles throughout his career. Yet it stands prominent that he was firstly the Assistant Secretary and later the substantive secretary during the creation of Ekiti State, he played a part in the state’s formation. Today, as Governor, he’s simply seeing to the realisation of the Ekiti of his dream.

47. *Support for Sport’s Development*: Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has made significant strides in sports development in Ekiti State, including the renovation of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, addressing the poor training conditions faced by athletes, construction of Indoor Sports Complex, establishment of the Ekiti State Sports Commission to give the sector greater autonomy and resources, and to provide financial support to for the athletes.

48. *Personal Support to Individuals*: Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been providing personal support to individuals in Ekiti State through his “Ojuse BAO” initiative, which is funded from his monthly salary. This ranges from providing cash grants to individuals in need, such as students, entrepreneurs, and people with disabilities, medical aid, education, etc.

49. *Arts and Culture*: Oyebanji administration has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of arts and culture in Ekiti State, with a focus on economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

50. *Contribution to Tourism*: The Oyebanji administration has made significant contributions to tourism in Ekiti State. This demonstrates the commitment to developing the tourism sector in Ekiti State and harnessing its potential for economic growth and job creation.

Need we say more?

Segun Dipe is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State Chapter.

NO LAFF, NO LIFE