Tinubu’s Reforms Saved Governors From Running Away, Claims Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms as the reason many Nigerian governors have been able to remain in office despite the country’s economic turbulence.

Speaking in an interview with TVC News, Oyebanji stated that without the bold steps taken by President Tinubu—particularly the unification of exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidies—governors across Nigeria would have been overwhelmed and possibly unable to govern effectively.

“If President Asiwaju [Tinubu] has not unified exchange rates, if he has not removed fuel subsidies, every governor would have run away from their states,” Oyebanji said.

The governor’s comment comes amid widespread national debate over the impact of Tinubu’s economic policies. While the reforms are designed to stabilize Nigeria’s economy in the long term, they have sparked short-term hardships, including rising costs of living and inflation.

Oyebanji’s support reflects a growing chorus among All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who believe Tinubu’s decisions, though painful, are necessary for rebuilding the economy and increasing transparency in government spending.

Under Tinubu’s policies, state allocations from the Federation Account have increased, enabling some governors to fund capital projects, raise civil servant salaries, and implement welfare programs—moves Governor Oyebanji has emphasized in previous public statements.

Critics, however, argue that such endorsements from governors overlook the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of rising costs. For many, the reforms have brought financial strain, and they question whether the benefits touted by leaders are reaching the grassroots.

Still, Oyebanji’s statement signals firm loyalty to the president and a belief that the ongoing reforms will ultimately empower states to become more self-reliant and effective.