Governors of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday stormed Ado-Ekiti, the state capital to rally support for Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji at the flag-off campaign of his re-election ahead of the June 20 governorship poll.

Among the Governors present were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Lucky Aiyedayiwa( Ondo), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Umar Bago (Niger), sheriff oborevwori (Delta) and the Chairman of the campaign council, Uba Sani (Kaduna).

The event, held at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, witnessed a massive turnout of party members, leaders and supporters, with APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and members of the National Working Committee.

There was a heavy presence of security agencies at the venue, as operatives comprising the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were strategically deployed to maintain order and ensure a hitch-free exercise.

Party supporters, adorned in colourful vests and traditional fez caps, thronged the pavilion, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

Aspirants under the broom party for state and National Assembly seats were also not left out, as they competed for visibility by flooding the venue with campaign flyers, posters and branded billboards bearing their images and slogans.

Addressing the mamoth crowd of APC supporters, Governor Hope Uzodinma canvassed support for Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, saying his administration as “very impactful and deserving of another term”.

Uzodinma described the massive turnout as a demonstration of widespread acceptance of the governor’s leadership, urging voters to sustain the momentum at the polls.

He said Ekiti State had become a model of unity and political stability under Governor Oyebanji, noting that the prevailing harmony across the state was a product of purposeful and inclusive leadership.

He urged Ekiti people not to allow the progress and giant strides recorded to be derailed, stressing that continuity remained essential to sustaining the gains achieved so far.

Uzodinma expressed confidence that the governor would emerge victorious in the June 20 governorship poll, adding that President Tinubu had given Progressive governors’ the mandate to deliver Ekiti for the APC.

The Chairman of the campaign council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, said the convergence of APC governors and leaders from across the country in Ekiti underscored the party’s collective resolve to secure victory in Ekiti.

He maintained that Oyebanji had set a benchmark in governance, adding that his achievements in education, health, infrastructure, education and social development made him deserving of another mandate.

The Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, said the massive turnout of party leaders and supporters was a clear indication of the confidence reposed in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

He noted that governor Oyebanji had demonstrated purposeful leadership and inclusive governance, urging Ekiti voters to reward performance by re-electing him for a second term.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the rally as a show of unity and strength within the party, stressing that the APC remained the most organised political platform in the country.

He commended Oyebanji for aligning with the party’s progressive ideals and delivering on the six strategic pillars of his administration, assuring that the party national leadership would continue to support his re-election bid.

He expressed confidence in Oyebanji’s capacity to deliver more dividends of democracy, describing him as a leader who had prioritised the wellbeing and collective interest of the people.

He assured that the governor would not disappoint if re-elected, adding that his administration had laid a solid foundation for accelerated development across critical sectors.

Fayose commended Oyebanji for sustaining peace and stability in the state, noting that continuity in governance would further accelerate development.

He urged the electorate to remain steadfast in their support for the APC, describing the forthcoming election as an opportunity to deepen the gains already recorded

Former Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, commended the governor for his unprecedented achievement in the last three and half years, saying his decision to anoint him as the preferred candidate in 2022 was apt and thoughtful.

Fayemi, who described himself as the “John the Baptist of continuity” in the state, noted that governor Oyebanji had not disappointed him, the people of Ekiti or the All Progressives Congress.

He, however, urged party members not to be complacent, calling for sustained mobilisation and grassroot engagement to ensure a landslide victory in the June 20 governorship election.

In a related development, Ex- Governor Ayodele Fayose said his presence at the event was a statement of his support for the Ekiti agenda being championed by Oyebanji.

Fayose described the governor as the face of the collective interest of the state, urging the people to prioritise Ekiti’s development above partisan considerations.

“My presence here speaks for itself. I remain a committed member of the PDP and have no intention of joining the APC, but I stand firmly for the Ekiti agenda, which Governor Oyebanji currently represents.

“Ordinarily, I should be in the opposition in this state, but that opposition will take shape after the governorship election. For now, all former governors are united in support of Oyebanji”, he added.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji appreciated the show of support and reaffirmed his administration’s unalloyed commitment to deliver more dividends of democracy, pledging not to relent in efforts to advance development across the state.

He said his administration had fulfilled its social contract with the people of the state, attributing the achievements recorded in the last three and a half years to the support of President Bola Tinubu.

Oyebanji noted that his government had made significant progress across key sectors, noting that the backing of the President had been instrumental to the delivery of critical infrastructure projects in the state.

The governor added that no President in the 29-year history of Ekiti State had shown as much commitment to the development of the state as Tinubu, citing the completion of the Ado-Akure Road as a major milestone.

He added that construction work was ongoing on the Ado-Ijan-Ikare Road, while contractors had been mobilised to the Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado Road.

Oyebanji further disclosed that approval had been granted for the reconstruction of the Aramoko-Ijero-Ido-Ifaki-Ikole Road, expressing optimism that the projects would further enhance connectivity and economic activities across the state.

He maintained that the successes recorded by his administration were made possible through support received from President Tinubu, assuring the people of Ekiti that his government would continue to prioritise development and deliver more dividends of democracy if re-elected.

Dignitaries present at the campaign rally were the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, Ex-governors, Segun Oni, Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Biodun Olujimi, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu Isaac Kekemeke, Barr. Wumi Ogunlola.

Others include Ekiti State Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, Amb. Eniola Ajayi, Senator Ayo Arise, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, 26 members of the House of Assembly and nine members of the National Assembly among other leaders of the party. (The Nation)

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