Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has told residents he's kept his campaign promises and deserves another four years. He made the case in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, three days before Saturday's governorship election.
Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress candidate, said he campaigned on a six-point agenda in 2022 that became his administration's six pillars. "I'm glad to remark that we've kept our promises on these pillars. Good governance is the bedrock of development," he said.
He thanked Ekiti people for supporting his government since he took office and asked them to vote for him again. "As we approach the polls, I want to humbly request that you renew the Shared Prosperity Mandate you gave us four years ago by another four years," Oyebanji said.
The governor promised that a second term would speed up development. "Given the solid foundation of economic prosperity we've laid already, a new mandate will witness a higher velocity of development and fast delivery of service," he said. He added that another term would allow his administration to complete ongoing projects, entrench policies, and pursue new visions under the state's 30-year development plan.
Oyebanji also appealed for peace. He called on political parties, election observers, and security agencies to act professionally and fairly. "So far, this current political electioneering has been the most peaceful in the history of our state, and we must do everything to ensure that the election and post-election activities remain peaceful," he said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for support at political and inter-governmental levels. He also thanked First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC leaders at national and state levels.
Oyebanji ended his address by thanking Ekiti people again. "Thank you for the privilege to serve you in the last four years. Thank you for reposing your sacred trust in us. I don't take this for granted, and I'm eternally grateful to you," he said.
The June 20 election will decide who governs Ekiti for the next four years. Oyebanji is seeking a second term after winning the 2022 election. His main challengers include candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties.
Ekiti, a state in southwestern Nigeria, has about 2.4 million people. The governorship race is seen as a test of the APC's popularity in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it's ready for the poll, and security agencies have deployed personnel across the state.