Ado-Ekiti — A high-powered delegation of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday converged on Ado-Ekiti to formally flag off the campaign for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, rallying support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and calling for a peaceful, issue-based contest.

The delegation included Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Uba Sani (Kaduna), who chairs the campaign council, Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Also in attendance were former Ekiti governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, Niyi Adebayo, and Kayode Fayemi.

Prior to the rally, the governors paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where they received royal blessings and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, Uzodinma described the visit as a demonstration of unity and solidarity, expressing confidence in Oyebanji’s administration. He stressed that the campaign would focus on governance performance, noting that the Ekiti government had strengthened cohesion and stability across the state.

“We are here in solidarity with one of our own to reaffirm support for a government that has delivered unity and progress,” Uzodinma said, adding that the party would campaign collectively to secure victory through democratic means.

He further argued that Oyebanji’s record in security, infrastructure, and economic management had positioned Ekiti among the more stable states in the federation.

In his remarks, Oyebanji urged residents to sustain support for ongoing reforms, linking his administration’s development agenda to the broader national vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He maintained that the forthcoming election should be decided on performance rather than sentiment.

“This election must be about results, not emotions,” the governor said, pointing to infrastructure development and governance reforms as evidence of progress.

Other speakers at the rally echoed calls for restraint among political actors, warning against divisive rhetoric as campaigns intensify. They emphasised the importance of a credible, peaceful process focused on measurable development outcomes.

The rally, attended by party leaders, traditional rulers, and supporters from across the state, marked the official commencement of campaigns for what observers expect to be a keenly contested 2026 Ekiti governorship election.