The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji says his administration is on course to make history as the first democratically elected government in the state to achieve “back-to-back continuity,” if re-elected in 2026.
Speaking during an interview, Governor Oyebanji described the unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “historic,” noting that all political tendencies in the party have agreed to adopt him as the consensus candidate.
“What happened today is historic. In 29 years of our state’s history, no democratically elected government has succeeded itself. By God’s grace, if we win next year, we’ll be the first,” he said.
The Governor said the absence of political continuity in the past had slowed Ekiti’s progress, as successive governments often abandoned existing policies and projects.
“Each government came with its own agenda and abandoned the work of its predecessor. That has been the bane of our development,” Governor Oyebanji stated.
He highlighted his long career in public service spanning over 11 years under former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, saying his experience has helped him avoid past mistakes and build peace among political leaders.
He said his cordial relationship with former governors, including Ayo Fayose and Segun Oni, has brought political stability to the state.
“People assume I give them money; no. I simply respect them. I visit them, attend their events, and keep communication open. That mutual respect has brought peace and unity to Ekiti,” he explained.
On women’s inclusion, Governor Oyebanji said; “Ekiti leads the country in gender equality, with women occupying key positions, including Deputy Governor, SSG, Head of Service, and Accountant-General.”
He said that the state also supports women in the informal sector through special desks in all ministries to promote affirmative action.
“We have one of the highest representations of women in governance in Nigeria, but we must also keep pushing for better inclusion beyond appointments,” he explained
The Governor also disclosed that 5,000 youths have been empowered through agricultural initiatives across 13 farm clusters, with modern dormitories built to encourage full-time participation in agribusiness.
Speaking on education, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning education in Ekiti, known as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” by improving curriculum relevance, teacher welfare, and school infrastructure, especially at the secondary school level.
He also emphasised the importance of political independence, saying Ekiti has no history of godfatherism.
“We don’t have a tradition of predecessors lording over successors. My predecessors never interfere. I intend to uphold that culture,” he said.
On the 2026 election, Oyebanji said he was confident but not complacent.
“We’ll keep working until the last minute. Ekiti’s election also has implications for 2027, so we won’t take chances,” he stated.
The Governor further said that his 30-year development plan envisions an economically vibrant, industrialised, and secure Ekiti by 2030, where citizens can “live, work, and invest with pride.”