Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has acknowledged calls from residents and stakeholders within and outside the state for him to be returned as governor in the 2026 governorship election.
In the last few months, political actors, artisans, workers and other stakeholders in the state have called for the re-election of Oyebanji for a second term in office following his impactful governance since his assumption of duty less than two years into his four-year tenure.
Oyebanji, who spoke in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune ahead of his second-year anniversary, explained that the calls for him to run for a second term were manifestations of a vote of confidence in his administration.
He noted that he has, in the last 24 months, demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the state by embracing honesty and transparency in running the affairs of the state towards achieving the share prosperity agenda for the state.
While appreciating those clamouring for his re-election, the governor however said he would wait for God’s direction on his future and the decision of the party on the 2026 poll.
When asked about the election, Oyebanji said: “I don’t know if my answer is going to be acceptable to you but that is the truth. I am a highly spiritual person and the Bible says the race is not for the swift or the battle for the strong.
“My future is in the hands of God but be that as it may, I am extremely grateful to those clamouring and wish we continue, I see it as a vote of confidence in our administration.
“It also puts a lot of burden on us to do more, because apparently you must have done some things that make them say we should continue; so we must avoid a situation where people will wake up tomorrow and say they don’t want us again.
“We are just at the midterm of this administration and it is nice to hear all those things but I don’t want to be distracted and I will continue to do things that will make them say that.
“But the party has a process of electing, who carries the banner of the party; the party will take a decision and whatever decision they take, it is okay by me. I thank God for this opportunity and my future is in the hands of God.”
On other aspirants planning to contest against him, the governor said: “People that know me will tell you that I don’t get worried about things like that. The reason why I am not worried is that the seat of the governorship of Ekiti State is open to all Ekiti indigenes that are qualified to aspire, I am not worried about that. When the time for politics comes, we will play it but for now, I don’t want to be distracted.”
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