Ekiti Speaker Aribasoye Declares Oyebanji’s Re-Election Bid as “People’s Mandate” -

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has described Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s (BAO) re-election bid as the collective aspiration of the Ekiti people, warning that any rival contender would be taking on the “people’s might.”

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye made the declaration on Wednesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where he led members of the State Assembly to accompany the governor for the submission of his expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The speaker stressed that the Assembly, representing all constituencies in Ekiti, is unanimous in its endorsement of Oyebanji, having earlier passed a motion in October 2024 calling for the renewal of his mandate.

“The ambition of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is the aspiration of the entire Ekiti people. Our message is no longer to Ekiti people because they have already spoken. To our national leaders, if there is anyone at all who took form to contest, he is not contesting against Governor BAO, but against the entire Ekiti people,” Aribasoye declared.

“Endorsements Rooted in Performance”

According to Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, Oyebanji’s endorsement by stakeholders across political and non-political divides is rooted in his impressive record in governance, integrity, and loyalty.

He cited the governor’s achievements across key sectors including education, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, and youth empowerment, noting that the Assembly had also reaffirmed its support for Oyebanji during an open plenary at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti to mark its second anniversary.

Aribasoye added that Oyebanji’s leadership embodies the vision of Ekiti’s founding fathers, earning him a reputation as a servant-leader deeply connected to the grassroots.

The Abuja submission of forms turned into a show of strength for Oyebanji, as the event drew a wide coalition of Ekiti stakeholders.

In attendance were former governor Adeniyi Adebayo, all former deputy governors of the state, current and former state and national lawmakers, APC leaders, and representatives of labour unions, women, youth and student movements.

The solidarity, according to observers, underscored the governor’s formidable political base ahead of the APC primary scheduled for October 2025.