Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, will require minimal stress or campaign to secure victory in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, citing his “superlative performance” over the past three years.
Governor Ekpobholo made the remark in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Ikere–Igbara Odo road and a farm dormitory project, both executed by Oyebanji’s administration as part of the activities marking his third anniversary in office.
In recent days, several state governors, including Kogi’s Ahmed Usman Ododo, Lagos’ Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ondo’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had also inaugurated different road projects across Ekiti, reflecting the broad scope of the Oyebanji-led government’s infrastructural drive.
“Oyebanji Has Done Well for Ekiti” — Ekpobholo
Overflowing with admiration, Governor Ekpobholo said he was impressed by the scale of transformation visible across Ekiti State and the overwhelming support Oyebanji enjoys among residents.
“Mr Governor, my dear good brother and friend, I want to tell you confidently that you have done well. I came into Ekiti and started hearing ‘BAO’ everywhere. This shows that Ekiti people truly appreciate your efforts in the last three years,” Ekpobholo stated.
The Edo governor recalled promising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2.5 million votes for the 2027 presidential election and added that, with Oyebanji’s growing popularity, Ekiti might surpass that target.
“I drove on the flyover you built in just three years and came to the conclusion that you don’t need to campaign much or stress yourself in Ekiti to win the coming governorship election. I congratulate you and all Ekiti people for what you have achieved,” he added.
Oyebanji: “We Are Unlocking Ekiti’s Economic Potentials”
Responding, Governor Biodun Oyebanji emphasised the strategic economic importance of the Ikere–Igbara Odo road, describing it as a gateway to improved agricultural productivity and safer transport for farmers and traders.
He noted that the route, previously notorious for criminal attacks, had been transformed into an economic lifeline that would open up the state’s food production capacity.
“This project will expose the state to better economic opportunities by unlocking our agricultural and industrial potentials,” the governor said.
Oyebanji also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting state-level development through policies that have “freed more funds for infrastructure renewal and improved living standards.”
“Since we started this anniversary, Governors of Kogi, Lagos, and Ondo States have joined us in commissioning projects. We will continue to serve the people of Ekiti diligently,” Oyebanji assured.
Monarchs, Officials Commend Project Execution
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, described the road project as the “lifeline of Ekiti’s economy,” explaining that it was designed with proper drainage and durability in mind. He urged residents to protect public facilities to ensure their longevity.
The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, also commended Governor Oyebanji for his consistency in delivering people-oriented projects.
“Your administration is breaking the jinx of continuity. The support you are getting from the people is genuine and unprecedented. But the expectations are also high for your second term—go and prepare, God will help you,” the monarch said.
Analysts Note Growing Consensus Around Oyebanji
Observers have noted that Oyebanji’s broad acceptance across political lines and his focus on grassroots development have positioned him favourably ahead of the 2026 election. Akahi News gathered that his administration’s infrastructure drive, civil service reforms, and collaboration with traditional rulers have earned him strong credibility among Ekiti residents.
As the countdown to the 2026 polls begins, political watchers believe the Ekiti governor’s “performance politics” could serve as a model for other states seeking to blend governance with electoral appeal.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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