Oyebanji: Ekiti Will Take Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid Seriously

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said the state will intensify its mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.

Oyebanji made the declaration on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District in Ifaki-Ekiti, held as part of consultations for the state’s 2027 budget.

The governor called on Ekiti voters to reciprocate what he described as Tinubu’s support for the state by seeking to increase the President’s vote tally in the next presidential election. He said the state would not be satisfied with its previous performance.

“We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election,” Oyebanji said.

He cited federal appointments and infrastructure interventions benefiting Ekiti as examples of what he described as the President’s commitment to the state. Oyebanji said his administration would continue working with the Federal Government on projects that could support economic development across Ekiti.

The governor also outlined his priorities for his second term, saying government projects would be targeted at improving commerce, increasing productivity and supporting sustainable business growth. He said investments would focus on areas including healthcare, electricity, roads and water supply.

Oyebanji said community input would remain central to project selection, stressing that the government would continue its consultative approach to governance. He also commended traditional rulers for their role in intelligence gathering, which he said had contributed to improved security across the state.

On infrastructure, the governor said collaboration with the Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads. He said other critical roads would also receive attention.

The meeting also featured updates from state officials on healthcare and water projects. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said more than 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants had been recruited over four years, while three new general hospitals had been approved for Ipao, Ikogosi and Awo-Ekiti. Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities Prof Bolaji Aluko said more than 500 boreholes had been constructed, with another 110 proposed.