Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abayomi Oyebanji, on Monday emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming governorship election, following unanimous endorsement by delegates across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Governor Oyebanji described the development as “historic,” noting that for the first time in the 29-year history of Ekiti State, a democratically elected government is on the verge of succeeding itself.
“What happened today is historic. No elected government has ever succeeded itself in Ekiti. By God’s grace, if we win next June, ours will be the first administration to run back-to-back. That will end the cycle of policy truncation that has slowed our progress for years,” Oyebanji declared.
Reflecting on his journey in public service, the governor recounted over two decades of political and administrative experience that shaped his leadership. He served as Chief of Staff and later Secretary to the State Government under previous administrations before becoming governor.
Oyebanji attributed his administration’s stability to harmonious relations with past governors, which he said fostered peace and continuity.
“I maintain good relationships with all former governors, including governor Fayose, who even congratulated me and advised his candidate not to go to court after the election. It’s about mutual respect and maturity,” he added.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, the governor said Ekiti ranks among the best states in the country in terms of gender equality.
“Our Deputy Governor, Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, and Accountant-General are all women. We also have the highest number of female legislators in any State Assembly in Nigeria,” he noted.
On economic development, Oyebanji emphasised his administration’s huge investments in agriculture, including training and supporting 5,000 young farmers across 13 clusters in the state through the “Renewed Hope Farm Dormitory” initiative.
“We’ve built farm dormitories equipped with modern facilities to make farming attractive and sustainable. No other employment scheme has taken that many youths off the streets in one year,” he said proudly.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to educational reform, promising to focus more on revamping secondary schools in his second term.
On politics, Oyebanji dismissed fears of complacency, saying the APC will continue to work hard ahead of the election.
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s long-term vision for the state, anchored on a 30-year development plan.
“By 2030, we envision an Ekiti that is industrialised, prosperous and secure a state where every indigene is proud to call home,” he said.