The Ekiti State chapter of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has formally endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election.
The endorsement and commendation came on Tuesday when Oyebanji received Afenifere leaders, led by Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade, at the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has slated the Ekiti governorship election for 20 June 2026.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor, during the visit, praised the President’s support for key federal road projects in the state, describing them as pivotal to boosting economic growth and connectivity within the state and the Southwest region.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the construction and rehabilitation of several inter- and intra-state federal roads, aimed at boosting the state’s economy and residents’ well-being.
Oyebanji specifically welcomed the approval for the construction of the road from the Osun State border to Aramoko, as well as the reconstruction of the Aramoko-Ijero-Ido Road.
According to a statement, ‘The road projects, when completed, have the potential to drive economic growth and development of the state and the Southwest zone, as some of the projects are linked to other states like Ondo and Osun’.
He described the President’s support for Ekiti as fulfilling promises that had led to unprecedented infrastructure development, citing the completion of the airport, rehabilitation of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki federal road, and the upcoming construction of other major roads.
‘Mr President has fulfilled more than he promised us. As I speak now, Akure to Ado-Ekiti is 35 minutes. He did it.
‘With his support, we completed the airport. With his support, we have rehabilitated the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki federal road.
‘He has also approved the construction of the road from the Osun State border to Aramoko; the value of that contract is N153bn because it is going to be concrete pavement’, Oyebanji said.
He also acknowledged Afenifere’s endorsement of both his administration and President Tinubu for re-election, emphasising the need to respect party principles and warning against politicising facts.
‘On behalf of myself and Mr President, I thank you for the open endorsement, because Afenifere is the custodian of our values, political values and our culture.
‘So, for you to come out openly to say this is where you are, I do not take it for granted, and I’m extremely grateful’, Oyebanji said.
The Afenifere leadership in Ekiti State reaffirmed its support for Oyebanji and President Tinubu, citing the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, economic policy, agriculture, and social programmes.
The group distanced itself from a separate faction claiming to represent Afenifere and endorsing the African Democratic Congress candidate for the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for 20 June.
‘We categorically dissociate ourselves from this group of political opportunists and charlatans.
‘They are not members of Afenifere, nor do they have any authority to speak on our behalf’, said the State Publicity Secretary, Biodun Akin-Fasae.
