Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has declared, while listing some of his achievements in the state, that ₦130 billion has been spent on the construction and maintenance of roads, representing the entire budget of the state three years ago.

To confirm the efforts of his administration, the governor challenged the Party Exco to embark on an inspection tour of the entire state to see for themselves what his government had done and how he had represented them well.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Segun Dipe, quoted Oyebanji as having said this on Monday at the party secretariat to inform the leadership of his desire to contest for a second term.

The governor also spoke about the efforts of his administration in the area of welfare and security, which he said had translated to peaceful cohabitation by the people.

Part of his efforts to ensure peace, he said, was drawing the leaders of the opposition to his government and ensuring that the resources coming to the state were well managed.

The governor seized the opportunity of his visit to declare his ambition to run the governorship race, flying the banner of the party for a second term in 2026. He said he believed he had represented the Party well during the first term and had earned the confidence of not only the party faithful but the people of Ekiti State.

On his relationship with his predecessors in office, Oyebanji assured that it was very cordial. According to him, he has a good rapport with all his predecessors in office, and they are in one accord in ensuring that the state is well run.

“In Ekiti APC, the hierarchy remains such that Otunba Adebayo is at the helm, followed by Dr. Fayemi, while I am next on the ladder. You can see that I don’t call meetings of the party to Ikogosi, my country home. Instead, we either meet at Iyin, the country home of Otunba Adebayo, or Isan, the country home of Dr. Fayemi. Maybe I will start holding party meetings at Ikogosi when I eventually vacate office, but not now, when I still have those two as my leaders,” Oyebanji said.

On his relationship with the party at large, the governor said: “I have been trying my best to see to the welfare of the party, and I will still do more.”

Regarding the perceived opposition within the party, the governor said it was a welcome development, and he did not see anything wrong, since people would always contest for good things, which only the best can win. Regarding the forthcoming election process, he urged the party to ensure the involvement of everyone within the party without any discrimination.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Party State Chairman, Hon (Barr) Olusola Elesin, thanked Governor Oyebanji for his regard for the party, and the Exco jointly passed a vote of confidence on the governor’s administration, pledging their continued support for him.