…Sen. Bamidele, Political Heavyweights Close Ranks as APC Rallies Behind Oyebanji
By Joy Odor – Abuja
It was a show of political force and unity on Thursday as Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, stormed the APC National Secretariat in Abuja to submit his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, vowing to shatter Ekiti’s long-standing “one-term jinx” and secure continuity for the state.
Backed by an intimidating array of supporters, Oyebanji declared that his governorship project carries a “divine mandate” to end the cycle of political instability that has plagued Ekiti since its creation.
“Since the creation of Ekiti State, no government has done a second term in one stretch. We see it as a jinx, a reproach that has hindered our growth as a people. By the same grace of God, I have a divine mandate to break that jinx. God sent us for this purpose, and by His power, we will not fail,” Oyebanji thundered, to wild cheers from party faithful.
The event, which drew APC juggernauts from both state and national levels, quickly turned into a massive endorsement rally, with speaker after speaker drumming support for the governor.
“APC in Ekiti is Unbreakable” — Oyebanji
Taking on critics who accused him of being at odds with former Governor Kayode Fayemi and flirting with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyebanji dismissed the speculation as cheap propaganda.
“What you are seeing here is this a divided party? Talk is cheap, but there are no polling units on social media. The APC in Ekiti is strong, united, and all former governors, deputy governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders are behind the president and this government,” he fired back.
Senate Leader Bamidele: “October 27 is Already Decided”
Senate Leader and Ekiti political strongman, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, was even more blunt, insisting the APC primary is effectively sealed in Oyebanji’s favour.
“All 26 members of the state assembly, three senators, six House of Representatives members, local government chairmen, and party executives are solidly behind the governor. These are the statutory delegates who will vote. This is not manufactured support, this is real,” Bamidele declared.
In a historic twist, Bamidele noted that for the first time in Ekiti’s often fractious politics, bitter rivals across party lines are now queuing behind a sitting governor.
“Former Governor Fayose’s camp and Senator Biodun Olujimi’s PDP faction have openly endorsed Oyebanji. Olujimi herself has crossed over to the APC. That tells you everything, Ekiti is united for continuity,” Bamidele revealed.
He hailed Oyebanji’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity, and human capital development, describing his government as one that has not only built roads and schools but also delivered peace and stability.
“This is the first time all political gladiators, irrespective of party, are speaking with one voice. That’s why we stand firm that Oyebanji deserves a second term,” he said.
Oyebanji’s Scorecard and 2026 Promise
Oyebanji reeled off his administration’s achievements from completing 90% of abandoned projects, electrifying communities left in darkness for 20 years, paying pensions and gratuities, to revamping healthcare.
But he admitted education remains his unfinished business:
“One area where I have not met my expectations is in innovating our education system. I want a society where every secondary school has electronic boards, preparing our pupils for 21st-century challenges,” he said.
The Governor also hailed President Tinubu for economic reforms that freed up state resources, tying Ekiti’s success story directly to the president’s national agenda.
Power Brokers in Attendance
The submission of Oyebanji’s forms was nothing short of a political carnival.
In attendance were APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola; Deputy National Chairmen North and South; APC PWDs National Leader, Bankole Oyebode; NWC members; Ekiti’s first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; first deputy governor, Paul Alabi; all three senators from Ekiti; six House of Representatives members; the Speaker and members of the State Assembly; local government chairmen, and grassroots leaders.
The Road to 2026
With Oyebanji’s open declaration, Bamidele’s ringing endorsement, and heavyweight support cutting across rival camps, political watchers say the October 27 APC primary is already a one-horse race.
“Anybody can buy a form,” Bamidele said pointedly, “but facts speak louder than propaganda. Ekiti APC is united and marching in one direction, continuity and prosperity.”
As Oyebanji himself declared: “We don’t run propaganda. People did not elect me to run propaganda; they elected me to serve them. And that is what I am doing to the glory of God.”
