As preparations intensify for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has expressed strong support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, saying Ekiti needs the type of development continuity seen in Lagos State.
Bamidele, who made the remarks in Ado-Ekiti on Friday during a “thank you visit” to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executive Committee, emphasized that the state’s progress depended on stability and sustained leadership.
He confirmed that he was in Ekiti to participate as a delegate in the party’s forthcoming governorship primary scheduled for Monday, October 27. According to him, the APC’s ward congresses to select delegates would hold today, Saturday, October 25.
The senator noted that Oyebanji remained the party’s consensus candidate following the withdrawal of the only cleared challenger, Mrs. Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo. Two other aspirants—Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi—had earlier been disqualified by the party.
“We expect continuity. Anyone who understands what Lagos has achieved since 1999 knows the progress that comes with stability—economic growth, infrastructure, and sustained governance,” Bamidele stated.
He expressed optimism that the primary would be peaceful and devoid of violence, urging party members to embrace reconciliation and unity ahead of the polls.
Addressing a protest that took place at the APC national secretariat in Abuja over the Ekiti governorship process, Bamidele said some of those demonstrating might not fully understand the issues, adding that the party would continue to engage with aggrieved members.
The Senate Leader also commended Governor Oyebanji’s performance, describing it as remarkable given Ekiti’s limited financial resources.
“This is not Rivers or Akwa Ibom; Ekiti’s resources are modest. Yet, if you go around the state, you’ll see visible development. Unless we expect a magician, we must admit that the governor has done well,” he said.
Bamidele stressed that his support for the governor was voluntary and grounded in conviction, not coercion.
The 2026 Ekiti governorship election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will take place on June 20, 2026.
