Senator Bode Ola Declares Support for Oyebanji’s Re-Election, Urges Rival to Step Aside
The political landscape in Ekiti State is gathering momentum ahead of the 2026 governorship election as prominent stakeholders continue to rally behind the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The latest endorsement came over the weekend from former Ekiti Central Senator, Bode Ola, who openly declared his support for Oyebanji’s second-term ambition. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, Senator Ola described Oyebanji as a leader whose administration has delivered meaningful development across the state, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. According to him, the governor has demonstrated leadership that deserves continuity rather than disruption. While endorsing Oyebanji, the former lawmaker also appealed to one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants, Engr. Kayode Ojo, to step down from the race and align with the incumbent in the interest of unity and progress. He acknowledged Ojo’s brilliance, industry and political promise but stressed that “there is a time for everything, and his time has not yet come.” Ola’s statement adds to a growing list of high-profile endorsements for Governor Oyebanji. In recent weeks, former Ekiti governors, senior party chieftains, labour unions, and community leaders have all expressed confidence in his leadership and declared their readiness to back his re-election. Former deputy governor Abiodun Aluko had earlier revealed that past Ekiti governors are collectively supporting Oyebanji’s second-term quest. Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ekiti State donated ₦10 million to his campaign fund, citing the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, prompt payment of salaries, and ongoing infrastructural projects at the grassroots. The APC State Executive Council has also openly endorsed the governor after touring projects across the state. The party leadership praised Oyebanji’s performance in governance, describing him as a leader who has “surpassed expectations” in the delivery of infrastructure, education, agriculture and social welfare. Developmental Strides Under Oyebanji Governor Oyebanji, who assumed office in October 2022, has anchored his administration on a six-pillar agenda focused on human capital development, infrastructure, agricultural expansion, governance reforms, cultural tourism and economic empowerment. Notable achievements under his tenure include the construction of rural roads, rehabilitation of health facilities, expansion of educational infrastructure, and the development of major projects such as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Phase I. These projects, supporters argue, justify the clamour for his re-election to ensure continuity and consolidation of gains recorded so far. The APC governorship primary is scheduled for October 27, 2025, while the general election will hold in July 2026. Governor Oyebanji officially declared his re-election bid in August, promising to deepen reforms and deliver further development if given another mandate. Although aspirants like Engr. Kayode Ojo have formally expressed interest in the party’s ticket, analysts say the mounting endorsements and party unity tilt the balance heavily in Oyebanji’s favour. Political observers, however, note that the governor’s ultimate strength may also depend on a formal nod from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose influence remains critical within the APC. For now, Senator Bode Ola’s declaration stands as another significant boost for the governor, strengthening the growing coalition around Oyebanji’s second-term ambition in Ekiti State.
