President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for having successfully demonstrated to Ekiti people that he came solidly prepared for leadership that benefits the citizens through his excellent performance.

He, therefore, urged Ekiti voters to re-elect him in the June 20 governorship poll.

Tinubu appealed yesterday, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally staged in support of Oyebanji’s re-election held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital,

The President, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, applauded Ekiti citizens for standing firmly by the party through its political trajectory, pointing out that Ekiti is blessed and fortunate to have a leader like Oyebanji at this auspicious time.

He said that the governor had exhibited through actions and policy formulations, as well as execution, that leadership is truly about the people and not to oppress the poor or subvert their rights.

Tinubu, at the occasion, handed over Oyebanji to all the past governors and first ladies and tasked them to work assiduously and deliver victory for him in the election.

In his remark, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described Oyebanji as a peaceful, humble and gender-friendly governor, adding that his performance has resonated across every corner of the country, and that his unification spirit and ingenuity surpassed that of his peers.

Also, Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, was upbeat that victory is sure in the polls, describing Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying and commanding high regard among Ekiti citizens.

Similarly, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum/Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said all the governors on the party’s platform are solidarising with Oyebanji, saying that the organic support he is getting across the strata of the state attests to his acceptability.

The National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, said the party is winning not based on APC being the ruling party, but on the pedestal of the governor’s robust connection to the populace.

Oyebanji, flanked by his wife, Dr Olayemi, and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, said he wasn’t banking on the federal might to triumph in the polls, but on his superlative performance and for keeping fidelity with the electioneering promises and social contract he signed with the Ekiti people in 2022.

IN another development, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for the governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has said that Oyebanji of the APC would be voted out of office at the polls.

He made the declaration during the PDP’s grand finale governorship campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, where he expressed confidence in his chances of defeating the incumbent governor at the polls.

Oluyede described the election as a “freedom fight” and urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and also protect their votes.