Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has pledged to continue making the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association proud through impactful policies and projects that promote inclusive governance, economic growth, and educational advancement.
He gave this assurance when members of the alumni presented him with the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms in support of his re-election bid for the June 2026 governorship election.
The presentation, held at the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti, came four days after the EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO purchased the forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
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Oyebanji expressed deep gratitude to his fellow alumni for purchasing the forms on his behalf.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts in rescuing the university through the strategic constitution of a governing council and management team, alongside interventions such as an increase in the institution’s subvention.
He noted that further measures were underway to position EKSU as a world-class institution.
The governor also warned against the activities of certain political elements attempting to disrupt the peace of the state and discredit the achievements of the federal government.
He stressed that Ekiti people were not ungrateful and that his record of achievements would be enough to secure victory over his opponents.
Oyebanji appealed to party members to maintain peace and shun violence as political activities gather momentum.
He urged them not to retaliate when provoked, pointing out that opponents might resort to falsehoods and incitements to stir unrest.
“This is a wake-up call for me and other politicians that people are watching us, they are watching our conduct and it is a wake-up call to APC members that there are other alternative platforms of support, even when the people decide to act otherwise, God will raise his own army.
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“This is an emotional moment for me, but before I end my speech, let me appeal to all our party members that they should please be at peace with everyone. I am aware that politics is on, they are going to annoy you, lie about you, do a lot of things, don’t fight with anybody. We need peace in this state, what they are trying to do is to draw you out for a fight so you can make them popular. They cannot take us out on our performance”, the governor said.
Leaders of the Alumni Association explained that their gesture was motivated by Oyebanji’s outstanding performance in office, which they urged him to replicate in his second term.
At the presentation of the nomination forms to the governor during a brief but colourful ceremony, the Life Patron of the Association and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described Oyebanji as a trailblazer.
He commended his exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements, which have continued to attract praise and support from the association and other key stakeholders in the state.
Bamidele noted that Oyebanji’s performance in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture and human capital development had distinguished him as a visionary leader deserving of further support in the best interest of the people of the state.
He explained that these achievements were the reason the association decided to purchase the nomination forms for the governor, stressing that Oyebanji’s leadership had not only brought pride to the alumni body but also transformed the fortunes of the state.
The Senate Leader further urged members of the association to serve as vibrant advocates of the Governor’s achievements, noting that some political opponents had resorted to launching unjustified attacks on social media.
He added that the governor, in collaboration with National Assembly members, had been engaging relevant authorities, including the Presidency, on the deplorable federal roads in the state, which had recently led to the award of contracts for two of them.
In his remarks, the Global President of the Association, Seyi Idowu, unveiled the EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, noting that the group’s objective was to embark on house-to-house and social media campaigns in support of Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
He stressed that the Governor had met the expectations of members by raising the standards of governance in Ekiti State.
Idowu added that the purchase of the nomination forms was a demonstration of the association’s confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership, emphasising his strong track record in governance and his commitment to the welfare of the people.
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Also speaking, the Director General of the EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, explained that the association found it worthy to obtain the expression of interest and nomination forms for the governor’s second-term bid in recognition of his exceptional performance, strength of character, vision and impeccable leadership.
He highlighted some of Oyebanji’s notable achievements in less than three years in office, including the creation of a peaceful business and political environment, infrastructural development across the state, increased subventions to all tertiary institutions, and the payment of outstanding gratuities, among others.
