Ekiti 2026: I Have Divine Mandate to Break Ekiti’s Single Term Jinx

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By Ojo Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Wednesday declared in Abuja that he carries a divine mandate to end the state’s long standing one-term tradition, as he formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2026 governorship election.

The event drew an unprecedented coalition of political heavyweights, opposition leaders, labour unions and civil society groups in a rare show of unity.

Oyebanji, who arrived at the secretariat at exactly 2:15 pm, was flanked by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and the state’s first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, before submitting his forms to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The event, described by party insiders as “historic and unrivalled in Ekiti’s political history,” brought together four former deputy governors, Chief Paul Alabi, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, Senator Biodun Olujimi, and Prof. Modupe Adelabu alongside all nine serving National Assembly members from the state.

In a rare twist, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, the PDP candidate in the 2022 governorship race and a key ally of ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose, also stormed the venue with members of Fayose’s political family to declare solidarity with Oyebanji.

Also present were all 26 members of the Ekiti House of Assembly led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the entire State Executive Council, local government chairmen, labour unions, youth and women groups, student representatives, and the alumni association of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Oyebanji’s alma mater.

In his address, Oyebanji told APC leaders that he carries a divine mandate to end the jinx of one-term governorship in Ekiti, a trend he described as a “stain” on the state’s development.

“Since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has done two terms at a stretch and Ekiti people have come here to remove this reproach. We don’t want this stain to remain. The only thing that stands against the development of Ekiti State is this come-and-go thing, and I have the divine mandate to break this jinx,” he declared.

He urged the party’s leadership to align with the will of Ekiti people, stressing that continuity was vital to consolidate the gains of his administration and support President Bola Tinubu’s broader development vision.

The governor also commended Senator Bamidele, National Assembly members, and party leaders for their unwavering cooperation, pledging to submit himself to APC’s primary rules to ensure a peaceful and credible process.

Speaking on behalf of former governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo described Oyebanji as a “trustworthy and reliable protégé”, praising his consistency in both public and personal contributions to Ekiti’s growth.

Senate Leader Bamidele assured of Oyebanji’s victory, pointing out that his support base has expanded beyond APC to include former rivals:

“Governor Oyebanji now enjoys the support of ex-Governor Fayose’s structure, former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, and former Governor Segun Oni who has since joined the APC,” Bamidele said.

APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, also hailed Oyebanji’s leadership, pledging that the party would deliver a free, fair, and transparent primary on October 27.

“Governor Oyebanji has made APC an attractive brand in Ekiti. He is truly a man after the hearts of the people,” Eneukwu added.