ADO-EKITI, Nigeria — Nigeria‘s Vice President Kashim Shettima, 18 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 24 senators, and 18 members of the House of Representatives converged on Ekiti State on June 17, 2026, to rally support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking at the campaign event, Kashim Shettima stated that the performance of the governor has earned the admiration of leaders across political divides. He said: “You have a very hardworking Governor. All former governors are here to support him. I have commissioned several projects in Ekiti and these are testaments to his commitment to developing Ekiti State.”
Okay News reports that the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, stated that the party remains the dominant political force due to widespread local support. Hope Uzodinma said: “We saw enormous support for BAO across the 16 local government areas. APC is the only party that can campaign from house to house. We are not responsible for the failure of the opposition in Ekiti State. I urge you to support BAO and President Bola Tinubu. Shun violence; we are confident of what we have seen today. We can see in every home that BAO has done well”.
A former governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, commended the inclusive governance style of the administration and expressed confidence in the upcoming vote. The gathering also featured the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Nigeria‘s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, alongside governors from Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ondo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kogi, Bayelsa, and Ogun states.
Praising the leadership and lack of road infrastructure deficits from the airport to the venue, Godswill Akpabio urged electorate participation. He said: “The reason we have gathered here is to support not only a performing governor but a humble man. He is gender-sensitive and we are here to support the women of Ekiti. From the airport down here, we have not seen a single pothole. Oyebanji is trustworthy, humble and a performer. He loves Ekiti people and the youths have said so. There’s no former governor that is not here. What we are seeing here is what democracy should be. Go out and vote. Don’t say he has already won. Shun violence and display peace. You are among the most peaceful people in Nigeria.”
In his response, Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the residents and party leadership for their demonstrated confidence. Biodun Oyebanji said: “Few years ago, we made a promise to you that we were going to serve you well and I believe we have done well. These are things you can see and touch and we are ready to do more. My appeal to you is to go out and cast your votes. Be at peace with yourselves, let us go out that day to cast our votes and celebrate democracy.”
