The Ekiti State Government has stated that the trip to Abuja, which involved many residents of the state who accompanied Governor Biodun Oyebanji to submit party nomination and expression of interest forms, was at no cost to the state government.

Recall that Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by an unprecedented number of state and national leaders, elected officials, and critical stakeholders in the state in a massive display of support when he submitted his nomination form for the 2026 governorship election at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.

The government, which stated this in response to insinuations that the trip may have been sponsored using state funds, added that groups and individuals were responsible for their own welfare out of their own volition, as a display of their corporate and individual support for the governor’s second-term bid.

It noted that over 300 groups had openly endorsed the governor’s bid for a second term, adding that some groups, such as the Ekiti State University Alumni, even supported their commitment with financial contributions to secure the governor’s primary election ticket.

The Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Information, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, spoke on Tuesday during a live radio programme broadcast in Ado-Ekiti.

They said: “It was like moving the entire Ekiti,” emphasising that the state bore no cost.

“Instead, the Abuja gathering showcased Ekiti’s growing political weight and the respect the governor commands across the country.”

According to the duo, Governor Oyebanji has fulfilled every campaign promise and highlighted his achievements, including developing the education sector where free, quality schooling has increased enrolment over the past three years. They also noted that the administration ensures no project is commissioned until it is fully completed.

“The wellness of the people is paramount,” Oyebode said, underscoring the governor’s strict adherence to standards, adding that “this explains the enormous Agricultural transformation with State-backed support in equipment, seedlings, land clearing, and access to markets.

“Drawing inspiration from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s farm settlements, the governor has recreated a model that combines state-of-the-art facilities with long-term benefits for farmers. From just 1,000 participants last year, the programme has expanded to 5,000 this year, with over ₦200 million in investments.”

“Infrastructure development remains a hallmark, with projects like the ring road, Ikogosi resort upgrades, and 38 roads across senatorial districts, with many already commissioned. What about improved power supply and provision of new transformers?”

“The governor’s re-election is not just a political necessity but the continuation of a vision already yielding dividends. Even former governors and opposition stakeholders are united in commending the administration’s resourcefulness and inclusive approach.”