Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has declared that the implications of breaking the succession jinx in the State is to end the era of trial by error.
Oyebanji said that the forthcoming poll is beyond victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but geared towards sustaining meaningful developments in line with his administration’s policy thrust, strategies, and priorities.
He spoke on Friday in Akure during the 2026 Ekiti Day Celebration organised in his honour by Ekiti State indigenes living in Ondo State.
His words: “June 20 is not just a day of voting, it’s a day that Ekiti people want to break a jinx.
“You will realise that since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has run two terms consecutively.
“All those things have implications for development.
“When there is a stoppage in government, there is a change in policy, change in strategy, and change in the priorities of the government.
“So, a new government that comes will want to implement his own programmes.
“If by the special grace of God and by your grace, we are able to break that jinx on June 20, that means for the first time since the creation of Ekiti State 29 years ago, we will have a government that has been running for 12 years.
“The implication of that for policies is that once we go back, we know what we want to do.
“We have been in the saddle for four years and we know what we have done and areas we need to improve upon.
“We don’t have to do trial by error.
“That is the implication of June 20 for Ekiti people.
“It’s not about just winning an election, but the culture of 10 steps forward and 30 steps backwards must stop.
“I’m glad that my people in Ondo State have taken this baton that enough is enough.”
While thanking Ekiti State indigenes in Ondo State for the honour bestowed on him and supporting his re-election ambition, the governor pleaded with them to continue to support his counterpart in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Oyebanji said: “He is appreciative of your support and I plead with you that you continue to support him in all his future endeavours and to also thank you for putting your resources together to organise this programme.
“When I got here and saw that these are people that have PVCs, I told myself that my people are ready for business.”
On his part, Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, commended Governor Oyebanji for his impactful leadership and inclusive governance in the state.
The governor noted that an executive order has been given to all Ekiti State indigenes in Ondo State with Ekiti State PVCs to cast their votes, adding that his victory at the poll will be overwhelming across the 16 local government areas.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Coordinator of Ekiti Diaspora for BAO in Ondo State, Kehinde Ojo, appreciated the governor for his dedication, vision, and service in driving development in the state.
The Coordinator reaffirmed their commitment to supporting his re-election, saying over 6,000 Ekiti State voters living in Ondo State will be mobilised for the poll.
According to Ojo: “Your tenure has shown dedication, vision, and service.
“You’ve led with integrity and passion, uniting Ekiti State driving development, and uplifting communities.
“As a leader, you have fostered unity among Ekiti people, driven progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, empowered communities through innovative programs.
“We applaud your efforts, especially the Christmas and New Year gifts.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting your vision.
“We’ve gathered over six thousand Ekiti indigene to come out and vote for your second term again.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Chief Jide Awe; Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Omotosho; and Chairman of the Association of Local Government Areas (ALGON) in Ekiti State, Hon. Olusegun Olugbogi, lauded the Ekiti State indigenes in Ondo State for standing solidly behind the governor’s second term.
One of the highlights of the occasion was an Award of Excellence bestowed on Governor Oyebanji for his development strides in the state.
