By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
It was a day of roaring applause, dancing crowds, and unprecedented political unity as Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO) on Thursday stormed Ekiti East for his re-election campaign rally. Thousands of residents, young and old, lined the streets to not just welcome him but to declare that the local government has already been “adopted” for the APC – no canvassing needed.
Speaking before the electrified crowd, Governor Oyebanji reminded them of promises kept and the stakes ahead. He recounted: “About three and a half years ago, we came here to seek your votes and you did not fail us. Since the creation of Ekiti State, there has been no President that has been as fair, supportive and good to us as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is why we must let the whole world know, through the June 20 election, that the President has done well. We must show it with our votes.”
The Governor then highlighted his administration’s tangible achievements in the area: “When we came here in 2022, we promised to restore the electricity that had not worked for more than ten years, and today, we have fulfilled that promise. Kabiyesi has also informed us of other areas where electricity should be extended to, and we will get it done.”
He also placed the election in a historic context, saying, “Ekiti State will be 30 years old next year, yet no administration has achieved back-to-back governance. This has brought inconsistency in development. June 20 offers us another opportunity to put an end to the politics of backwardness.” In a surprising strategic note, he added, “Our votes here in Ekiti will also ginger electorates in Osun State to vote massively for our party.”
After the Governor’s address, the floodgates of commendations opened. Comr. Ayo Fashiku, speaking on behalf of the youth, listed the gains: “We want to appreciate the Governor, especially for the reconnection of electricity in Ekiti East and the construction of the High Court in the Local Government. We assure him of our total support.”
Senator Biodun Olujimi, crossing party lines, assured the crowd: “By God’s grace, on June 20, we will record more votes than in the previous election for Governor Oyebanji.”
But the most striking declaration came from Rt. Hon. Olufemi Bamisile (MHR), who told the cheering multitude: “Governor Biodun Oyebanji has done well in Ekiti East LGA and all monarchs have appreciated him. We will support and deliver Ekiti East for the APC. We have already adopted the Governor in Ekiti East LGA, so there is no need for canvassing here.”
As the campaign train rolled out, the crowd remained – singing, dancing, and chanting “BAO! BAO!” – a clear sign that Ekiti East has already cast its vote in its heart, waiting only for June 20 to make it official.
