Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has assured the people that his administration would ensure that the 2026 governorship election is conducted with the highest level of decency, transparency and fairness, stressing that democracy must reflect the will of the people without intimidation or manipulation.
The governor, who gave the assurance on Tuesday evening during the 2025 Ekiti State Government Carol Service at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, maintained that his administration would not allow any form of violence or action capable of disrupting the peace of the state before, during and after the election.
Stressing that his government remains committed to upholding democratic values, Oyebanji urged all contestants across the parties to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to the people, who are the ultimate decision-makers, while reminding them that only God gives power.
The governor said: ‘As we go towards 2026, which is an election year, I made a pledge before you and God that, as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress, we will run the election with all decency. We will adhere strictly to the electoral acts, we will conduct ourselves responsibly because I have absolute faith in God that whatever God does not give, no man can have it, and my aspiration does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man.
‘And I also appeal to all party aspirants that they should go to the people and sell themselves to them. Power belongs to God, and Ekiti people will choose who will lead them. We are not going to allow any form of violence in this state; we are going to ensure that our people are protected’.
Reflecting on the state’s achievements in 2025, the governor highlighted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. He maintained that both the state and the country as a whole have experienced notable economic growth, attributing much of the state’s development to the unwavering support and interventions of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed profound appreciation to the President for his continuous support to the state , describing President Tinubu’s interventions as pivotal to the state’s infrastructural development and socio-economic progress.
Oyebanji also disclosed that, following the President’s directive, contractors have now been mobilised to begin work on the Itawure-Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti Road.
He further said that the Ado-IKere-Iju-Itaogbolu-Akure Road is expected to be completed and commissioned by the first quarter of next year.
While thanking the President for his unwavering commitment to the state’s development, the governor urged critics who have been using the condition of the roads in the state to attack the President to also show some decency by acknowledging and applauding him on the feat.
On the importance of Christmas, the governor urged residents to use the festive season as an opportunity to remember the less privileged and spread love and kindness. He emphasised that beyond celebrations, Christmas is a time to show compassion, support those in need, and strengthen the bonds of community and fellowship across Ekiti State.
He said: ‘When you carry a burden of close to four million people, it is only God that can help you to carry such a burden. But God has lighten the load for me by supporting me with the President. So after God, my appreciation goes to the President of this country, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a father indeed to me and to Ekiti people, and Kabiyesi Ewi can attest to the strong support of President Tinubu for Ekiti State. The President has gone beyond what is normal to support Ekiti state.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who joined Oyebanji in expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, said that Ekiti people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the governor’s excellent relationship with the President, noting that the collaboration between the state and Federal Government has translated into tangible projects and interventions that are improving the lives of residents across the state.
He also urged the people to show love to one another and to continue to live in unity, stressing that social cohesion and mutual support are key to sustaining the state’s development and ensuring that all residents benefit from ongoing and future initiatives.
In his homily, the Reverend Father of the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Assumpta Ajayi urged the people to give generously, emphasising that the true essence of Christmas lies in selflessness, compassion, and sharing with others.
He reminded the congregation that the spirit of the season is best reflected in acts of kindness, support for the less privileged, and spreading love within the community.
Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; the governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretory to the state Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Mrs. Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the state Executive Council, and traditional rulers, among others.
