Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to residents to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and to keep the state calm ahead of the 20 June governorship election, saying electioneering will not disrupt service delivery.
Tinubu reforms receive call for support in Ekiti
Speaking at an inter‑faith thanksgiving service to mark the first working day of 2026 at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji thanked God for his administration’s achievements and praised the Federal Government’s policy direction. He urged Ekiti people to intensify prayers for the President and his team to successfully implement reforms that, he said, will make life better for Nigerians.
Oyebanji told the congregation, which included top government functionaries, traditional rulers and faith leaders, that recent policy measures may have been difficult at first but are beginning to show results. He cited a fall in some food prices and a reduction in pump prices for petrol as visible gains, and said the Naira has stabilised while inflation is receding.
“For everything we have achieved here, I give God the glory, but after God, I stand here to publicly thank the President for his support for us and his policies, which are positively turning around the situation in our country,” the Governor said. He urged citizens to back tax reforms that will increase resources available to all tiers of government.
On the conduct of politics in Ekiti, Oyebanji called on politicians, parties and the public to maintain peace before, during and after the election. He reassured voters that his administration will continue to manage the state’s affairs so that election campaigns do not affect governance and delivery of public services.
Presenting himself and his party, the All Progressives Congress, as ready to contest according to the rules, the Governor expressed confidence that his record over the past three years would secure another four‑year mandate.
Religious leaders who spoke at the event urged humility and good stewardship. The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, reminded the Governor to honour the covenant that brought him into office and to preserve his service‑minded character. The State Qareeb Missioner, Alhaji Abdul‑Hakeem Afenifere, urged leaders to show mercy to the less privileged and to remember the transient nature of power.
Oyebanji also used the occasion to declare 2026 a year of unlimited opportunities for Ekiti, urging political office holders to be diligent stewards so all citizens feel the impact of government. The thanksgiving service drew the Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye, First Lady Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the Chief Judge Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, members of the national and state legislatures, traditional rulers, labour and union leaders, and other dignitaries.
By linking local progress to support for national policy, Oyebanji framed the upcoming poll as an opportunity for continuity in governance and a demonstration of peaceful democratic practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji asks residents to support President Tinubu and his reform agenda to ease hardship.
- Oyebanji promises governance will continue uninterrupted despite electioneering for the 20 June governorship poll.
- Tinubu reforms are credited with stabilising the Naira, easing fuel costs and reducing some food prices.
- Religious and traditional leaders joined calls for peace, good stewardship and prayers for national progress.
