EKITI SPEAKER DEFINES BAO'S RE-ELECTION AGENDA AS PEOPLE'S MANDATE.

...Says any other contender faces the people's might

“The ambition of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) is the aspiration of the entire Ekiti people.”

These were the words of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, where he led state lawmakers to accompany the governor, Oyebanji to submit his nomination and expression of interest forms.

Last month in Ado-Ekiti, the governor received the expression of interest and nomination forms purchased for him by the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association Solidarity Group.

To affirm their alignment and confidence in him, a large number of APC stakeholders in the state thronged Abuja on Wednesday to witness the submission of the forms by the governor,  signaling their support and inclusion in the historic moment.

Joining other top figures, the Assembly Speaker, who spoke on behalf of the 26 member parliament, explained that the lawmakers technically represent the entire state, having been mandated to represent all constituencies, stressing that they are unanimous in their resolve to endorse the governor for another term in office.

Aribasoye went down memory lane, recalling a motion moved and unanimously passed on the floor of the House in October 2024, which sought the renewal of the social contract the governor signed with the Ekiti populace beyond 2026.

 He noted that the singular move opened the gate to the gale of BAO endorsements that followed from various political and non political groups and interests across the state.

The Speaker also recalled the open plenary held to mark the second anniversary of the 7th Assembly under his leadership at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, saying it was another forum where a motion was moved and overwhelmingly embraced, calling for Ekiti people to massively endorse the governor for another term.

“Our message is no longer to Ekiti people because they have already spoken. To our national leaders, if there is anyone at all who took form to contest, he is not contesting against Governor BAO, but against the entire Ekiti people,” Aribasoye affirmed.

He gave Oyebanji a pass mark in good governance, integrity, loyalty, development, and apt understanding of the foundational vision of the founding fathers of the state, adding that the governor has touched several sectors.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye emphasized that the Ekiti State House of Assembly is strongly united behind Governor Oyebanji, having endorsed him without reservations.

The forum was graced by former governor Adeniyi Adebayo;  all former deputy governors in the state; former and serving state and national lawmakers; party leaders and stakeholders; the labour, youth, women and students movements, and other key and strategic players.