Ekiti 2026: VP Shettima Drums Support For Oyebanji’s Reelection At APC Mega Rally

Says governor’s 2nd term bid is a ticket that deserves renewal, an investment in state’s progress, peace, future

By: Our Reporter

Reiterates FG’s resolve to work with state in deepening development, expanding opportunity, strengthening security

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima , Monday, embarked on a last-minute campaign for the reelection of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term in office ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

He told the people of the state that the joint ticket of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, is a ticket of balance, experience, and continuity that deserves renewal, noting that instead of a routine contest in Saturday’s governorship poll, Ekiti is standing at the gate of a larger Nigerian journey.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during the APC Grand Finale Mega Rally, Senator Shettima, who represented President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, maintained that continuity for Governor Oyebanji is an investment in the peace, progress, and future of the state.

Joined at the mega rally by APC governors, party leaders, National Assembly members and Ministers, among others, the Vice President said, “The task before you is simple, sacred, and historic. Go out and vote. Speak to your neighbours. Speak to your families. Speak to your wards, your unions, your communities, and your friends. Tell them that continuity in Ekiti is not a favour to one man. It is an investment in the peace, progress, and future of this state.

“And so I ask you, sons and daughters of this proud land, to march to the polling units in your numbers and cast your votes for Biodun Oyebanji and his worthy Deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye. Give them the mandate to finish the work they have so faithfully begun. Stand with them as steadfastly as they have stood with you.”

VP Shettima noted that the mammoth crowd that gathered at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, venue of the mega rally in Ado Ekiti, is an indication that the people of the state are together with the APC and the government at the centre, in the journey to make Nigeria better, just as he extended the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Ekiti State remains dear to the government.

Drumming support for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, he said, rather than approaching leadership as a theatre, the governor understands that “government must touch the market woman, the teacher, the civil servant, the farmer, the student, the driver, the trader, and the family waiting for hope at the end of each month.”

Senator Shettima stated that Governor Oyebanji has shown dedication to the welfare of Ekiti people, carried himself with humility, governed with patience, and listened with respect, while working “with the calm strength of a man who knows that power is a loan from the people.”

He continued: In Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti has a son who did not come to experiment with the state. He came prepared. He came with knowledge of the land. He came with respect for elders, with regard for institutions, and with a heart open to the young.

“He has not spent his time fighting shadows. He has spent it building bridges, strengthening trust, and keeping the machinery of government focused on service.”

Describing the joint ticket as one of balance, experience, and continuity that has worked, and therefore deserves renewal, VP Shettima said APC’s stability is not an accident but a “product of sacrifice by noble leaders like Governor Oyebanji, leaders who understand that politics without discipline becomes confusion, and ambition without order becomes injury to the people.

He observed that while other political parties “are busy fighting themselves, quarrelling over chairs, tearing their roofs in the rain, and asking the people to trust them with a house they cannot keep standing,” the the APC has stayed together, disagreeing with maturity and resolved its differences purpose.

He promised that the President Tinubu-led Federal Government will work hand in hand with the governor, his deputy, and the people of Ekiti “to deepen development, expand opportunity, support enterprise, strengthen security, and widen the road to shared prosperity.”

Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji “as the most friendly parliamentary governor in Nigeria,” stating that the governor has performed excellently and deserves to be reelected by the people of the state.

“Therefore, on election day when you go to the polling unit and collect the ballot paper, look for the broom and once you vote for the broom you have voted for the continuity of good governance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State,” he said.

Similarly, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the governor’s style of leadership exemplifies the true philosophy of what the APC stands for.

He applauded the governor’s achievements in education, health services delivery and infrastructure development, saying “I saw the roads that you have constructed; take a bow and take your votes.”

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their tremendous support towards the progress and development of the state since they assumed office in 2023.

The governor, who expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti for entrusting him with their mandate, appealed to them to shun all forms of violence before, during and after the June 20 gubernatorial election in the state.

“I don’t have much to say rather than to thank the people of Ekiti State. Close to four years ago, we entered into a social contract with you that we will serve you. You can attest to the fact that with the help of God and the support of Mr. President, we have served you well.

“My plea to you on Saturday is that, go out and cast your votes for the APC. Our symbol is the broom and when you vote for the broom you are voting for the continuation of our shared prosperity agenda. Please be at peace with your self. Don’t fight with anybody. Let us exercise our civil duty to celebrate democracy,” Oyebanji said.

Before proceeding to the venue of the mega rally, the Vice President paid homage to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRH Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, where he thanked the royal father, saying he not merely a presentation of the antiquity but a symbol of Ekiti people’s heritage.

Urging the citizens to come out enmass for the election, he said this is the first time and incumbent governor of Ekiti would be elected for a second term in office.

The VP also urged the traditional rulers to join hands with the governor for the development of Ekiti State, citing federal appointments the state has benefited under the Tinubu administration.

Earlier, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their efforts to boost the education sector, including the establishment of NelFund, which he said has assisted many Ekiti indigenes.

The Traditional ruler also noted that the Tinubu administration has done a lot in terms of transport infrastructure, citing the Lagos – Calabar coastal road and other trunk A roads across the country as a testament to infrastructural development in the country.

The Vice President also met with members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council at Government House, where he assured them of President Tinubu’s support for the traditional institution.

The Chairman of the Council and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, thanked Vice President Shettima for coming back to Ekiti, saying it is an indication of the love Mr. President has shown to the state.

Noting that the Tinubu administration has benefited Ekiti people, he pledged the support of all the traditional rulers to the administration and to ensure that the governor and the President are reelected for a second term.

Ekiti 2026: VP Shettima Drums Support For Oyebanji’s Reelection At APC Mega Rally

ADC PICKS RT. HON. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI AS ATIKU’S RUNNING MATE

By: Michael Mike

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has picked former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on what party leaders describe as a “unity and rescue ticket.”

Announcing the decision, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Amaechi’s emergence followed broad consultations within the party and reflected his strong performance as runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries as well as his track records of service to his State and the country.

According to the ADC, Amaechi’s extensive experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government, as former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and former Minister of Transportation, makes him uniquely qualified to complement Atiku’s leadership, strengthen the party’s national appeal, and bolster its campaign to offer Nigerians an experienced and credible alternative ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The full statement read:

The National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives of all geopolitical zones, is proud to announce that the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been selected as the Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great party for the 2027 Presidential Election.
This recommendation follows the successful conclusion of the ADC Presidential Primaries, in which Rt. Hon. Amaechi emerged as the runner-up, earning widespread support from party members across the federation and demonstrating his enduring appeal as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and respected political leaders.

The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi brings to this ticket one of the most comprehensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics. His experience spans all major pillars of democratic governance. He served with distinction as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, making him one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He subsequently served two terms as Governor of Rivers State, where he oversaw significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public sector reforms. At the national level, he served as Minister of Transportation, leading some of the most ambitious transportation and rail modernization initiatives in Nigeria’s history.

Few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government. This depth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one.

Beyond his impressive credentials, Rt. Hon. Amaechi strengthens the ticket strategically. His political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, his reputation as a reform-minded administrator, and his proven ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic, and regional lines make him uniquely positioned to complement the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar.

Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations, and political traditions. Their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organization, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating national development.

At a time when millions of Nigerians are demanding competent leadership, economic revival, job creation, security, and national unity, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket sends a clear message: the ADC is prepared to govern, prepared to unite the nation, and prepared to deliver results.

The leadership of the ADC is confident that this partnership will energize our growing coalition, inspire hope among Nigerians, and provide the leadership necessary to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The ADC therefore calls on all party members, coalition partners, civil society organizations, youth groups, women leaders, and Nigerians of goodwill to join us as we embark on this historic journey to renew our nation and secure a better future for generations to come.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)

ADC PICKS RT. HON. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI AS ATIKU’S RUNNING MATE

Yobe: APC guber candidate speaks on Buni’s confidence in him

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali Fcan, mni, has revealed that His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON’s confidence in him over the years had afforded him the opportunity to serve the state as secretary to the state government for seven years.

Baba Mallam Wali mni disclosed this today when a delegation of critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Gujba local government area paid him a congratulatory visit in Damaturu, the state capital.

He expressed profound appreciation for the visit, adding that this overwhelming visit shows solidarity and confidence in his candidacy.

According to Mallam Wali, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s confidence in him over the years had afforded him the opportunity to serve the state as secretary to the state government for seven years.

He assured the stakeholders that he would provide inclusive and participatory leadership by carrying every citizen along irrespective of political, social, or regional affiliations.

The acting secretary to the state government, who is also the son of the soil, Dr. Mohammed Goje, leading the delegation, described Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali as a seasoned administrator and accomplished public servant.

“The emergence of Mallam Wali was a well-deserved recognition of his competence, integrity, and commitment to the development of Yobe State to a greater height,” Dr. Goje said.

He assured the candidate of the continued support, loyalty, and commitment of the people of the Gujba local government area, noting that we would remain steadfast in our support for the APC and its candidate in the 2027 general elections.

Yobe: APC guber candidate speaks on Buni’s confidence in him