A high-level delegation of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged on Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday for the official flag-off of the 2026 Ekiti governorship campaign, urging a calm, issue-driven race anchored on continuity and development.
The political atmosphere featured Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Uba Sani (Kaduna), who is Chairman of the Campaign Council, Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). The gathering also featured former Ekiti governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, Niyi Adebayo, and Kayode Fayemi.
Before the campaign rally, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where they received royal blessings and restated commitments to a peaceful electoral season.
Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma described their presence as a show of solidarity within the performing Ekiti Governor, while projecting confidence in the performance of his administration.
He said the party was united behind the leadership in Ekiti, insisting that governance achievements should remain the central focus of the campaign.
“We are here as governors of the All Progressives Congress in solidarity with one of us. This is to encourage the people and reaffirm our support for a government that has worked to bring unity and progress to the state.”
Uzodinma added that the administration under review had strengthened cohesion across political divides and improved stability in the state.
“A vote for our candidate is a vote for continuity, progress and the shared vision of the APC. We are united, and we will campaign together, work together, and ensure victory through the will of the people.”
He further maintained that the Governor Oyebanji’s record in security, infrastructure and economic management positioned the state as one of the more stable subnational entities in the country.
On his part, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, used the occasion to urge residents to support ongoing reforms while linking development efforts to the broader national agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that the coming election should be judged strictly on performance and delivery.
According to him, “this election must be about results, not sentiment,” as he pointed to ongoing infrastructure and governance reforms as indicators of progress.
Other governors present echoed similar sentiments, calling for restraint among political actors and warning against divisive rhetoric as campaigns intensify. They collectively emphasised the need for a peaceful and credible process that prioritises measurable development outcomes.
The rally, which attracted party leaders, traditional rulers, and supporters across the state, officially signalled the start of what is expected to be a competitive but closely watched Ekiti governorship election 2026 season.
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Dr Ebojele is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State