Help Break One-Term Jinx in Ekiti, Oyebanji Urges APC Leaders

Help Break One-Term Jinx in Ekiti, Oyebanji Urges APC Leaders

•Ekiti is United Behind BAO-Bamidele

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State, popularly known as BAO, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support his re-election bid and help break the cycle of single-term governorship in the state since its creation in 1996.

Speaking on Wednesday at a carnival-like event at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, where he submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms, Oyebanji described the one-term trend as a “reproach” that had hindered the state’s development.

“Since the creation of Ekiti State, no government has done a second term in a stretch. They will go, they will come back, and this has retarded the development of the state.

“If the people have chosen to come in this number to plead with you, it is because we see this as a jinx that must be broken. We don’t want current gains to be reversed. By the same grace of God, I have a divine mandate to break that jinx, and that jinx will be broken,” he declared to a rousing ovation.

Oyebanji, who credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating fiscal reforms that have empowered sub-nationals to meet their obligations, stressed that Ekiti’s unity under the APC was a strong signal ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“As I speak today, APC in Ekiti is almost a one-party state. All our former governors and deputy governors are united behind the president and the party. What we want is continuity so that the progress we have made will not be rolled back,” he said.

The governor, however, emphasized that while every loyal party member had the right to contest, the national leadership must ensure discipline and fairness in the primaries.

“APC must not choose a wrong candidate that will struggle in an election. Ekiti people are ready, and this is the precursor to 2027,” he added.

Governor Oyebanji also used the occasion to assure the people of Ekiti that a second term would allow him to consolidate on his achievements, particularly in the education sector.

“Education remains the pride of Ekiti people, and if I am given a second mandate, we will invest more in schools, teachers, and infrastructure to ensure that our children compete globally,” he pledged.

He added that his administration would expand ongoing reforms in healthcare, productivity, and job creation.

“We have started well, but there is still much more to do. With another four years, we will deepen our reforms so that the progress we have made will become irreversible,” he said.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, also spoke at the event and threw his weight behind Oyebanji’s re-election.

According to him, the unity among Ekiti’s political class across party lines was unprecedented and demonstrated a collective resolve for continuity.

“Regardless of what anybody will tell you, Ekiti is united behind this government. All the three senators, six House of Representatives members, 26 state lawmakers, and all local government chairmen are here. These are the statutory delegates who will decide at the primaries,” Bamidele said.

He also disclosed that even opposition figures, including factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had aligned behind Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

“Former Governor Ayo Fayose sent a delegation led by his 2022 candidate to declare support for BAO, while former Senator Biodun Olujimi has not only endorsed him but also become a card-carrying member of APC. This is the first time all gladiators in Ekiti will be on the same page,” he noted.

Describing Oyebanji as a governor who had combined infrastructural projects with human capital development, Bamidele assured that the state would deliver a resounding victory for the APC in the 2026 governorship and 2027 general elections.

“We look forward to welcoming you in Ekiti for the primaries on October 27. You will see for yourself how the governor has touched every part of the state and why the people are resolute that he must continue,” the Senate Leader told journalists.