A major political development unfolded on Monday in Ado-Ekiti as former governors of Ekiti State, along with other high-ranking political figures, gathered to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The unprecedented gathering, which took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, witnessed a convergence of chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as influential figures from opposition parties.
The statewide endorsement rally, described as non-partisan, was organized to signal collective support for the continuity of governance and ongoing development both at the state and federal levels.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Endorsement Committee, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, emphasized that the programme was motivated by the visible and impactful leadership of Tinubu and Oyebanji.
He described the event as a message of hope and commitment to the future of Nigeria and Ekiti State, applauding both leaders for their transformative governance.
As part of the day’s highlight, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebanji, which was seconded by Hon. Bamisile.
The lawmakers, both serving and former, present at the event, expressed unanimous support for the re-election bid of the duo.
Bamidele described President Tinubu as the architect of Nigeria’s economic revamp and praised Oyebanji’s humility and effective governance, which, he said, have brought pride to Ekiti people.
In a significant boost for the APC, the party also welcomed several high-profile defectors. These included former Senate Majority Leader and PDP stalwart, Senator Biodun Olujimi, a former State Commissioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Obafemi Adewale, and a Social Democratic Party (SDP) lawmaker representing Ise-Orun in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo. They all officially joined the APC during the endorsement rally.
Receiving the new members, APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola, commended Governor Oyebanji for attracting such “big fish” into the party fold.
He assured the public that the APC would uphold internal democracy by conducting free, fair, and credible primaries when the time comes.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, former Ekiti State Governor and PDP chieftain, Ayodele Fayose, gave a personal endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebanji.
He attributed his support to the leadership qualities and performance records of both men, stressing that their hard work deserves recognition beyond partisan boundaries.
Fayose said, “I hereby endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term. I also endorse our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term.
“I am not a member of his party and I will never be, but I stand here to say I have seen the good work. I commend Governor Oyebanji’s humility and leadership. He deserves another term.”
Another former governor, Engineer Segun Oni, echoed similar sentiments. He said Nigeria and Ekiti State are beginning to reflect the aspirations of the people under the current leadership and described the present moment as a critical opportunity to consolidate those gains.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also lent his voice to the chorus of endorsements, affirming that both Tinubu and Oyebanji deserve a second term.
He expressed confidence that the duo would secure a sweeping victory in the upcoming 2026 and 2027 elections.
Responding to the gesture, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming show of support. He described the endorsement as a strong motivation to accelerate development efforts across the state.
However, in a demonstration of democratic maturity, he clarified that the endorsement did not exclude other party members from seeking the APC ticket. He emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the right of all interested aspirants to participate in the democratic process.
The endorsement event symbolized a powerful political alignment in Ekiti State, cutting across party lines and affirming growing support for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency and Oyebanji’s governorship in the coming political cycle.