Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured Ekiti people that his administration will ensure that the 2026 governorship election is conducted with the highest level of decency, transparency and fairness, stressing that democracy must reflect the will of the people without intimidation or manipulation.
Governor Oyebanji, who gave the assurance Tuesday evening during the 2025 Ekiti State Government Carol Service at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre in Ado Ekiti, maintained that his government would not allow any form of violence or action capable of disrupting the peace of the state before, during and after the election.
Stressing that his government remains committed to upholding democratic values, Governor Oyebanji urged all contestants across the parties to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to the people of Ekiti, who are the ultimate decision-makers, while reminding them that only God gives power.
The Governor said: “As we go towards 2026, which is an election year, I made a pledge before you and God that as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), we will run the election with all decency. We will adhere strictly to the electoral acts, we will conduct ourselves responsibly because I have absolute faith in God that whatever God does not give, no man can have it, and my aspiration does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man.
“And I also appeal to all party aspirants that they should go to the people and sell themselves to them. Power belongs to God, and Ekiti people will choose who will lead them. We are not going to allow any form of violence in this state; we are going to ensure that our people are protected.”
Reflecting on the state’s achievements in 2025, Governor Oyebanji highlighted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. He maintained that both Ekiti State and Migeria as a whole have experienced notable economic growth, attributing much of the state’s development to the unwavering support and interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his continuous support to Ekiti State , describing the President’s interventions as pivotal to the state’s infrastructural development and socio-economic progress.
The Governor also disclosed that following the President’s directive, contractors have now been mobilized to begin work on the Itawure -aramoko-Ado road.
The Governor further affirmed that the Ado-IKere-Iju-Itaogbolu-Akure road is expected to be completed and commissioned by the first quarter of next year.
While thanking the President for his unwavering commitment to Ekiti development, the Governor urged critics who have been using the condition of the roads in the state to attack the President to also show some decency by acknowledging and applauding the President on the feat.
Speaking on the importance of Christmas, Governor Oyebanji urged residents to use the festive season as an opportunity to remember the less privileged and spread love and kindness. He emphasized that beyond celebrations, Christmas is a time to show compassion, support those in need, and strengthen the bonds of community and fellowship across Ekiti State.
“When you carry a burden of close to four million people, is only God that can help you to carry such a burden but God has lighten the load for me by supporting me with the president, so after God my appreciation goes to the president of this country, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a father in deed to me and to Ekiti people and kabiyesi Ewi can attest to the strong support of President Tinubu for Ekiti state , the president has gone beyond what is normal to support Ekiti state.
Also in his remarks, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who joined Governor Oyebanji in expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Ekiti people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the Governor’s excellent relationship with the President, noting that the collaboration between the state and federal government has translated into tangible projects and interventions that are improving the lives of residents across Ekiti.
The Senate Leader also urged the people to show love to one another and to continue to live in unity, stressing that social cohesion and mutual support are key to sustaining the state’s development and ensuring that all residents benefit from ongoing and future initiatives.
In his homily, the Reverend Father of the Catholic Church, Diocese of Ekiti, Rev Fr Assumpta Ajayi urged the people to give generously, emphasizing that the true essence of Christmas lies in selflessness, compassion, and sharing with others. He reminded the congregation that the spirit of the season is best reflected in acts of kindness, support for the less privileged, and spreading love within the community.
Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretory to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the National and State Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Royal Fathers among others.
*The Governor Urges Christians to Emphasize Peace, Love, Unity At Christmas And Beyond
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the people of the State and other Nigerians to use the Christmas season to deepen love and harmonious relationship among one another in order to have a peaceful and better society.
The Governor who congratulated the Christians and the people of the state generally for witnessing another Christmas, said the season offers another opportunity for sober reflection and prayers for the state in particular and Nigeria in general for sustained peace and development.
The Governor, in a Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, said the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for celebration because it signaled God’s special love to mankind and His desire for a peaceful world by bringing the Prince of Peace to the world.
The Governor extended his best wishes to the people of Ekiti State, urging them to key into the messages of love for one another, sacrifices, tolerance, humility, compassion and care for those in distress which were the hallmarks of Jesus Christ’s teachings during his earthly ministry.
He stressed that Christmas is not meant for eating, drinking and merriment alone, but reassessing one’s relationship with God and exploring areas to show love and kindness to fellow human beings.
“As we rejoice at this Yuletide season, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us. We should reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to mankind. This offers an opportunity to deepen love for ourselves and strengthen our harmonious relationships.
“Let us be our brothers’ keepers by showing love and compassion to one another as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating this season.
“I urge the Christian faithful to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ by living in peace and harmony with adherence of other faiths.
The Governor called on the Christian community and indeed all the people of the state not to relent in their prayers for a peaceful election as the state prepares for the governorship poll next year .
He also appealed Ekiti residents and Nigerians in general to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his quest to reset the country on the path of growth, development and shared prosperity through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It’s been a wonderful year and we remain thankful to God. I wish Ekitikete a merry Christmas as we look forward to a greater level of joy, peace and prosperity in the coming year”, the Governor added.