Ekiti 2026: Tinubu’s wife rallies support for Oyebanji

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the electorate to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

She said he deserves re-election on the strength of his “commendable and sterling performance and evidence of good governance”.

The First Lady spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election.

It was witnessed by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

Senator Tinubu stressed that Oyebanji has done enough to justify re-election because the fortune of the state has changed for the better in over three years of governance.

The First Lady, who said she was in Ekiti just to appreciate the people of the state for their support for the governor and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, also canvassed support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election.

She said: “We came here just to appreciate Ekiti Kete for the support given to BAO (Oyebanji) and his wife so far.

“I want to plead with you, help me vote for BAO in the coming governorship election in Ekiti and in 2027, vote for Mr. President (Tinubu) because things are changing for better.

“You have seen more money given to the states for them to work more for the people. 

“The states no longer owe salaries. 

“In Ekiti State, things are going on fine here and you governor is doing a good job and should be voted in for a second term in office. 

“I am very grateful to you for your support so far. 

“Please continue to support him so he can do more.”

Senator Tinubu particularly appreciated APC women in Ekiti State for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her, saying she was impressed with the reception accorded her at every place visited during her one-day working visit to the Land of Honour.

A major highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of cheques of N50,000 to 2,000 women to support small scale businesses. 

The First Lady said the wife of the governor will supervise the disbursement. 

Governor Oyebanji in his remarks pledged a tally of 700,000 votes from the people of Ekiti State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election in appreciation of what he described as “unprecedented support the state had so far received from the President”, which has positive changes the face of the state and bettered the standard of living of its people.

Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and other national APC women top shots, was treated to an impressive reception at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport shortly after the presidential jet that conveyed her from Abuja touched down.

The First Lady also commissioned the newly built ICT Centre at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, which was facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative. 

She equally held a meeting with Ekiti Obas under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti before attending the rally at the pavilion.