The All Progressives Congress pulled a massive show of strength in Ekiti State as Vice President Kashim Shettima led an impressive lineup of political heavyweights to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The grand finale of the campaign drew thousands of party supporters from across the sixteen local government areas of the state, turning the event into a major political gathering. In attendance were eighteen APC governors, twenty four senators, and eighteen members of the House of Representatives, alongside former governors, the party’s national chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Governors from states including Imo, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ondo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kogi, Bayelsa, and Ogun also joined the event, underscoring the scale of mobilisation.
Speaking at the rally, Vice President Shettima described Governor Oyebanji as a hardworking and result driven leader whose performance in office has earned him respect across political divides. He noted that the governor’s projects across the state reflect a clear commitment to development and improving the lives of the people.
Shettima added that Oyebanji’s leadership has attracted support not just within Ekiti but also from former governors and key stakeholders, describing it as a sign of genuine progress. He expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to continue delivering meaningful projects for the state.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, also spoke at the event. He said the APC remains the dominant political force in Ekiti, pointing to what he described as widespread grassroots support across the state.
Uzodinma encouraged voters to back both Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu, while also urging a peaceful election process. He expressed confidence that the turnout at the rally reflected strong public approval of the governor’s performance.
In a notable moment that drew attention, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose acknowledged Oyebanji’s inclusive style of governance and expressed confidence in his chances at the polls, adding a rare bipartisan tone to the gathering.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised the governor, describing him as humble, trustworthy, and attentive to different groups, including women and young people. He highlighted ongoing developments in the state, pointing out improvements in infrastructure from the airport onward.
Akpabio urged residents to turn out and vote peacefully, stressing that the large show of support reflected what he called the true spirit of democracy. He also noted the presence of nearly all former governors, describing the unity as significant.
In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed appreciation to party leaders and residents for their continued support. He recalled the promises made at the beginning of his administration and said his government has worked steadily to deliver on them through visible projects across the state.
He assured the people that more development efforts were underway and urged them to participate actively in the election. Oyebanji also called for peace during the voting process, encouraging citizens to see the election as another opportunity to strengthen democracy in Ekiti State.
