President Bola Ahmed Tinubu threw his full weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday, urging Ekiti voters to return the incumbent to power during the 2026 governorship election. The President spoke at a Grand Finale Mega Rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, flanked by Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior members of the ruling party.
President Leads Pro-Oyebanji Rally in Ado-Ekiti
Tinubu arrived in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday to headline the campaign event, calling on residents of Ekiti State to give Oyebanji a second term in office. The rally drew thousands of supporters to the state capital, with banners and campaign materials filling the venue. Vice President Shettima accompanied the President at the event, reinforcing the federal government's backing for the incumbent governor.
The President addressed the crowd directly, framing the 2026 election as a choice between continuity and uncertainty. Tinubu praised Oyebanji's record in office, citing infrastructure projects and economic policies the governor had pursued since taking office. The rally marked the formal launch of the governing party's campaign for the upcoming governorship race.
Oyebanji's First Term and Governing Record
Oyebanji assumed office in 2022 following a governorship election in Ekiti State. His administration has focused on improving roads, expanding access to education, and attracting investment to the state's agricultural sector. The governor has positioned himself as a developer capable of delivering tangible improvements to daily life for Ekiti residents.
Supporters at Saturday's rally pointed to completed road projects and school renovation programmes as evidence of Oyebanji's effectiveness. Critics in the opposition have challenged the pace of development, arguing that more needs to be done on unemployment and basic service delivery. The governor's campaign team has acknowledged these concerns while arguing that a second term would allow Oyebanji to complete ongoing projects.
Federal-Local Political Connections
The relationship between Oyebanji and the federal administration has strengthened since 2023. Ekiti State has received attention from federal ministries under Tinubu's government, particularly in areas of agriculture and rural development. The governor has positioned himself as a reliable ally of the central government, a factor observers say explains the President's personal involvement in the campaign.
Political analysts note that Ekiti holds symbolic importance for the ruling party. The state has a history of competitive elections, and losing it would represent a setback ahead of broader regional contests. This context helps explain why Tinubu chose to lead the campaign rally personally rather than delegate the task to party officials.
What Comes Next in the 2026 Race
The 2026 Ekiti governorship election is scheduled to take place in the coming months. Opposition candidates have already begun their own campaigns, targeting voters concerned about economic conditions and public services. The major opposition party is expected to announce its candidate soon, setting up a direct contest with Oyebanji.
Campaign strategists in both parties anticipate a competitive race. Ekiti has a tradition of high voter turnout, and mobilisation efforts will be critical in the weeks ahead. The mega rally on Saturday signals the beginning of an intense campaign period, with both sides preparing for a contested outcome.
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The governor has positioned himself as a reliable ally of the central government, a factor observers say explains the President's personal involvement in the campaign.Political analysts note that Ekiti holds symbolic importance for the ruling party. The governor's campaign team has acknowledged these concerns while arguing that a second term would allow Oyebanji to complete ongoing projects.Federal-Local Political ConnectionsThe relationship between Oyebanji and the federal administration has strengthened since 2023.
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