Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji urges parties, supporters to ensure peaceful polls

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called on political parties, leaders, and supporters to ensure a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Oyebanji made the appeal on Wednesday during a statewide broadcast aired on all media platforms to mark the 29th anniversary of Ekiti State and Nigeria’s 65th independence.

He urged politicians to focus on ideas rather than violence, warning that the stability and progress of Ekiti must not be undermined by political intolerance as campaigns and party primaries gather momentum ahead of the June 2026 election.

“Ekiti kete, another governorship electoral cycle is here already and interested persons and parties are in campaign mood. This is how it should be in a democracy. I reiterate my appeal to all political stakeholders to remain peaceful as we enter the electoral season. The political environment must remain peaceful; our contest must be for ideas and not violence,” the governor said.

The governor congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and expressed the gratitude of Ekiti people for his support, while urging residents to rally behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has placed the economy “on a positive trajectory not seen in almost two decades.”

Oyebanji paid tribute to the leaders and civil servants who championed the creation of Ekiti, noting that the state has made significant progress in infrastructure, health, education, economy, and social development over the past 29 years.

“As someone who had the rare privilege of being part of the creation movement, I acknowledge that God has been kind to us in Ekiti. We may not have reached our destination, but we have recorded considerable milestones,” he stated.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements as it clocks three years in office, Oyebanji said the six-pillar development agenda has touched every community in the state.

He disclosed that he would present his stewardship to the State House of Assembly on October 16, in line with constitutional requirements.

The governor also appreciated the support of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and other National Assembly members from the state, the State House of Assembly under Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye, and the Judiciary led by Chief Judge Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye.