The Ekiti State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing their exemplary leadership qualities and impactful policies as reasons for the endorsement.

The resolution, passed during a special caucus meeting of the state chapter of the APC held in Iyin Ekiti, had in attendance the first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; immediate past Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and the incumbent Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.

Also present were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Senator Yemi Adaramodu; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; as well as serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies, party chieftains, among others.

While moving the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, which was ratified through a resounding voice vote, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) commended the President for his decisive economic reforms which, he said, had revitalised the country’s economy, alongside his comprehensive security strategies that had tackled the root causes of insecurity within one and a half years in office.

He stated that, for these and several other positive outcomes, President Tinubu deserved another term to consolidate on the gains and ensure their long-term impact.

Describing the President’s reforms as “transformational” with a profound impact on the socio-economic landscape, Senator Adaramodu said: “I, on behalf of the National Assembly Caucus and as a true progressive member of our great party, APC, move that we in Ekiti APC adopt continuity, starting with our President. Come 2027, we move that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the Renewed Hope Agenda shall continually be renewed.”

Responding to concerns over high-profile political alignments outside the APC, the senator maintained that the party remained unfazed. “We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do, other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”

Also moving the motion for Governor Oyebanji’s endorsement for re-election, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, said the Governor had demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, marked by his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people and the holistic development of the state.

He lauded the Governor for making the party highly acceptable to the people through his sterling performance, people-oriented policies and programmes, as well as his consistent prioritisation of the needs and aspirations of citizens, thereby fostering unity and trust across the state.

According to him, “I, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, rise to move a motion of utmost importance concerning the leadership of our great party, APC, under the stewardship of our dear Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who has shown integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to the welfare and development of Ekiti. His sterling performance has resulted in remarkable infrastructural development, enhanced security, improved healthcare and educational outcomes, and overall socio-economic growth. I therefore move that this distinguished caucus of our great party in Ekiti passes a vote of confidence in Governor Oyebanji, affirming our unwavering support for his leadership and vision for Ekiti.

“Furthermore, I move that this caucus endorse Governor Oyebanji to contest the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the State APC Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, who appreciated Governor Oyebanji for making the party more attractive and acceptable to indigenes through his developmental strides, stressed that no community in the state was left out of the government’s interventions, which include infrastructure development, rural electrification, healthcare improvement, agricultural revolution, youth empowerment, among others.

In his remarks, the immediate past Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said: “Generally speaking, I think we have a lot to thank God for, and we must thank our Governor. Everywhere we turn, it’s BAO. Our leader and I exchange notes regularly. When I was returning to the country yesterday morning, I travelled with a senator from London, and he said, ‘Thank you very much for the Governor.’ He told me he went to Ekiti for Senator Bamidele’s conferment of honorary degree and said we need to extend the Ekiti magic to the rest of the country. This is all due to the way our Governor has conducted himself and conveyed a sense of humility and service to the party both at national and state levels. That is why we are all gathered here to work happily with him in achieving greater development for our people.”

In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to party leaders for their faith in his leadership and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for creating a conducive environment that has enabled states to thrive through bold national policies and reforms.

“I stand here this afternoon to give glory to God for a day like this. My appreciation goes to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support for us in Ekiti. This support has been the enabler for everything we have achieved in the state.

“After him, I thank the father of the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. I thank you for your support. I count myself lucky to have former Governor Adebayo and Dr Fayemi in my corner, and I count it a blessing for Ekiti State. Not all states have leaders who are committed to the development of their states and people,” the Governor declared.

Reiterating his confidence in the party, Oyebanji echoed the senator’s earlier position. “We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do, other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, declared that the caucus had spoken with one voice: “We are all in support of the Governor contesting for another term.

“Everyone is pleased with the work he is doing, and we believe he should seek re-election. He has our full support as he continues his leadership journey.”

Similarly, the caucus reiterated its support for the President, acknowledging the strides recorded under his administration.

“The President’s accomplishments have been well noted, and the caucus remains firm in its earlier position, urging him to also seek another term,” he added.