By Precious Owolabi,Ado-Ekiti

A clear indication surfaced on Monday ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State as key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, from the Central Senatorial District, unanimously endorsed the second-term bid of the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.

The APC stakeholders, comprising party members from the five local government areas of Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ekiti West, Ijero, and Efon, gathered at a forum titled “Leaders and Stakeholders’ Meeting/Endorsement Programme” held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents the district in the National Assembly, stated:”What we are doing here today is simply holding our usual party meeting, which we used to do behind closed doors. We are only reiterating our earlier stance on the second-term bid of Governor Oyebanji.

“We appreciate continuity. Ekiti has never had it this good. As you can see, those present here are the key decision-makers in our party primaries.

All the developments initiated by former governors such as Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi are now being consolidated by Governor Oyebanji.

“The greatest achievement of this administration is the unification of the party under the ‘BAO Unity Magic’ initiative, which has fostered development and brought governance closer to the people of Ekiti.

“We congratulate BAO for uniting Ekiti. Today, we are here to celebrate him. Under his leadership, Ekiti is progressing.

When he assumed office, he provided a list of projects that we, as lawmakers, would help support. As of now, no fewer than seven stadiums have been approved across my district.

“This partnership is working for us, and no lawmaker is afraid to return home. The governor has created an enabling environment for us.

“Mr. Governor, we ask for continuity. We are here today to urge you to continue your good work.”Bamidele stated

Other notable APC leaders, including Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, Hon. Wunmi Ogunlola, and Hon. Sola Fatoba, also spoke in favor of Oyebanji’s second term, endorsing his candidacy.

Former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, moved the motion for Oyebanji’s endorsement, while Prof. Modupe Adelabu officially declared him as the sole candidate of the APC for the 2026 governorship election.

APC chieftain Hon. Bimbo Daramola described the endorsement as inevitable, given the governor’s track record.

He emphasized that the endorsement was well deserved and praised the initiative, noting that it would further motivate the governor to continue his developmental strides.

He also urged the people of Ekiti to keep supporting Governor Oyebanji to enable him to fulfill his promises of elevating the state.

Responding to the endorsement In his remarks, Oyebanji expressed his deep gratitude for the endorsement.

His words “We are truly grateful to all our leaders. On behalf of myself and Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, we deeply appreciate this overwhelming support.

This moment is historic, and listening to our leaders reflect on the progress we have made in the past two years is humbling.

“I don’t know what else to say, except to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“This endorsement is a testament to the unity and progress we have achieved together as a party.

“I assure you that we will not relent in our efforts to develop Ekiti State further.

We remain committed to ensuring that our administration continues to deliver meaningful projects and impactful policies.

“Once again, I sincerely thank the leaders, members of the National Assembly, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and all stakeholders who have stood by us. Your support and dedication are invaluable.”