Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday rallied support for the re-election bid of Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, urging voters to return him for a second term in Saturday’s governorship election.
Addressing thousands of party supporters at the APC Grand Finale Mega Rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Vice President described the Oyebanji-Monisade Afuye ticket as a symbol of stability, experience and continuity, insisting that renewing the governor’s mandate would guarantee sustained development and progress in the state.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the rally, Shettima said the forthcoming election transcends a routine political contest, arguing that it presents Ekiti people with an opportunity to consolidate the gains recorded under the current administration.
“Continuity in Ekiti is not a favour to one man. It is an investment in the peace, progress and future of this state,” the Vice President declared. He urged residents to mobilise support for the APC at the grassroots level and turn out massively on election day.
“The task before you is simple, sacred and historic. Go out and vote. Speak to your neighbours, your families, your communities and your friends. Tell them that continuity in Ekiti is an investment in the future of this state.
“I ask you, sons and daughters of this proud land, to march to the polling units in your numbers and cast your votes for Biodun Oyebanji and his worthy deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye. Give them the mandate to complete the work they have so faithfully begun,” he said.
Shettima said the massive turnout at the rally demonstrated the confidence of Ekiti people in both the APC-led state government and the administration at the centre, conveying President Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state.
He commended Oyebanji’s leadership style, describing him as a humble and focused administrator who has prioritised service delivery over political theatrics. According to him, the governor has demonstrated commitment to the welfare of citizens, governed with patience and humility, and remained responsive to the needs of the people.
“In Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti has a son who came prepared. He understands the land, respects its institutions and remains committed to building bridges across political and social divides,” he said.
The Vice President also contrasted the APC’s internal cohesion with the crises confronting opposition parties, arguing that the ruling party’s stability is rooted in discipline, sacrifice and purposeful leadership.
“While others are consumed by internal disputes and leadership struggles, the APC has remained united, resolving differences with maturity and keeping its focus on governance and service,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the state, Shettima pledged continued collaboration with the Oyebanji administration to accelerate development, improve security and expand economic opportunities.
“The Tinubu administration will continue to work hand in hand with the governor, his deputy and the people of Ekiti to deepen development, support enterprise, strengthen security and widen the path to shared prosperity,” he assured.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as one of the most people-friendly governors in the country, saying his performance in office had earned him another term. He urged voters to support the APC candidate at the polls, insisting that a vote for the party would ensure the continuation of good governance in the state.
Similarly, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education and healthcare, describing his administration as a practical demonstration of the party’s progressive ideals.
“I have seen the roads and the projects. The governor has worked and deserves the support of the people,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support since his administration assumed office in 2023. He also expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti for the confidence reposed in his government and appealed for a peaceful electoral process.
“Nearly four years ago, we entered into a social contract with the people of Ekiti. With the support of God and the Federal Government, we have worked diligently to fulfil our promises.
“My appeal is simple: come out on Saturday, vote for the APC and do so peacefully. Let us celebrate democracy without violence or rancour,” the governor said.
Earlier, Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, where he praised the monarch’s leadership and role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage. The Vice President urged traditional rulers to continue supporting the state government and mobilising citizens for peaceful participation in the election.
He highlighted several federal appointments and development initiatives that have benefited Ekiti under the Tinubu administration, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the state’s growth.
The Ewi, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for policies aimed at improving education and infrastructure, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said had expanded access to higher education for many Ekiti indigenes.
Shettima also met with members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council at the Government House, assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued support for the traditional institution.
Chairman of the Council and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, thanked the Vice President for the visit and pledged the support of traditional rulers for both the state and federal governments. He said the Tinubu administration had positively impacted the state and expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
