ADO-EKITI — As preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, thousands of residents and political stakeholders across party lines gathered on Monday at the Ekiti Kete Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.
By 10 a.m., the 14,000-capacity Ekiti Parapo Pavilion was filled to the brim as artisans, civil servants, trade unions, and various associations—many dressed in matching blue sweatshirts bearing Governor Oyebanji’s image—poured into the venue in support of the endorsement rally.
The event drew members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), giving it the appearance of a political carnival.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Ekiti Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayo Fayose, and Segun Oni, and a former deputy governor, Senator Abiodun Olujimi. Also present were Chief Obafemi Adewale (SAN), several serving and former National Assembly members, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, and Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunji Ojo.
Notably absent was former Governor Kayode Fayemi, whose non-appearance sparked speculation.
Speaking at the rally, former Governor Ayo Fayose explained his reasons for backing President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, despite insisting he has no intention of joining the APC.
“To endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term—that is the reason why we are here. And to endorse our governor, humility personified, Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term,” Fayose declared.
He added, “This gathering is unique because all the former governors of this state, leaders, national assembly members, and all the people who matter in this state, including myself, unanimously, without hiding anywhere, endorse Tinubu. I am not a member of this party (APC) and I will never be.”
The event signals the start of an intense political season in Ekiti, as major players begin to position themselves ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
