Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Calls on APC to Break State’s Second-Term Curse

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to help end the long-standing barrier preventing Ekiti governors from serving consecutive second terms, describing it as a setback to the state’s progress.

Speaking at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday while submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to seek re-election, Oyebanji highlighted that no governor in Ekiti has ever served two terms in a row since the state’s creation. This ‘jinx,’ he said, has continually slowed Ekiti’s development.

The event saw the attendance of prominent Ekiti political figures, including lawmakers and members of the APC National Working Committee. Confident that the party would conduct a free and fair primary election on October 17, Oyebanji encouraged that only loyal and qualified candidates be considered for the ticket while assuring he would fully participate. He emphasised the need to view this primary as a stepping stone towards 2027.

The governor pledged to prioritise education, innovation, and technology if given a second term and dismissed rumours of division within the Ekiti APC, affirming the party’s unity and strength. He also spoke warmly of his relationship with former governor Kayode Fayemi, who remains actively involved in party affairs.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, present at the event, expressed his support for Oyebanji, praising his achievements in human capital, political stability, and infrastructure development as reasons why he deserves another term.