A former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has declared that the group he leads under the auspices of the Ekiti Rebirth Organisation (ERO) will back the second-term ambition of Governor Biodun Oyebanji with critical engagement by calling out his shortcomings and demanding accountability.

Ojudu said that Ekiti State has been on the path of development and progress under Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the last two and a half years that he has been in office.

The APC chieftain spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during a meeting with his supporters across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state under the Ekiti Rebirth Organisation (ERO) political group, where they endorsed the governor for a second term in office.

Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that the inclusive leadership style of Governor Oyebanji has brought about stability to the state, driving economic prosperity and development.

The former presidential aide, who recalled the political instability, persecution, violence, and killings witnessed in the state before 2022, stated that in the last two and a half years, Governor Oyebanji’s style of governance has fostered peace, stability, and development in the state.

According to him, the organisation has observed the political space since the governor assumed office in October 2022 and concluded that he deserves to be supported in fulfilling his shared prosperity agenda for the state.

He added that the administration’s massive road constructions, support for small and medium-scale businesses, and investment in agriculture to enhance food security have made stakeholders ask for the governor’s continuity beyond 2026.

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Ojudu said, “We are not here today to praise; we are here to support with critical engagement. We will call out our shortcomings, demand accountability, and ensure the governor stays on track. That is the role of responsible citizens.”

“For a long time, our group has chosen to remain on the sidelines of Ekiti politics—not out of indifference, but out of disappointment. We saw a state drifting away from its ideals, overtaken by deceit where there should have been honesty, inaction where there should have been progress, and personal enrichment where there should have been public service.

“We are here to endorse Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term and to call on the good people of Ekiti State to give him the opportunity to continue steering Ekiti towards growth and prosperity.

“This decision is not based on blind loyalty, personal benefits, or political convenience. We are not sycophants. We are not ‘bread-and-butter’ politicians. We are Ekiti patriots who have sacrificed over the years to guide our people toward meaningful development.

“We received him with cautious optimism. Over the last two years, his leadership has reassured us that Ekiti can finally embark on the path of true development.

“For the first time in decades, Ekiti is witnessing leadership that values inclusion over exclusion.

“Unlike in the past, dissent is not met with violence or intimidation; opposition figures and critics have not been attacked or silenced. Even when he (Oyebanji) is abused, insulted, and lied against, he maintains a dignified posture.

“Under Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti has enjoyed unprecedented political stability: no assassinations, no politically motivated attacks, no acid baths, no intimidation. This is in stark contrast to the previous administration.”

The renowned journalist, however, called on the governor to remain dedicated and committed to improving the state’s economic fortunes, assuring the people that the group would continue to critically engage the government.

“While Governor Oyebanji has made remarkable strides, no administration is perfect. There are areas that require further attention, and as a progressive organization, we will continue to push for improvement.”