Ahead the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, a prominent northern group, the Arewa Professionals Think Tank (APTT), has endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for a second term of office.
The group, in a release on Thursday by its chairman, Mallam Mohammed Saidu, commended the governor over it described as his exemplary and purposeful leadership.
APTT added that the Governor Oyebanji administration has become a model of inclusive governance, purposeful leadership, and peaceful coexistence.
“We, as a body of northern intellectuals and development advocates, observe with deep admiration the atmosphere of stability, unity, and progress that has flourished in Ekiti under his watch,” it added.
APTT further stated in the release that the unwavering commitment of Governor Oyebanji to justice, equity, and inter-communal harmony has earned him uncommon respect across ethnic and religious divides.
It particularly noted that the peaceful coexistence of Fulani pastoral communities with their Ekiti hosts was a remarkable achievement by the governor, demonstrating fairness, proactive conflict resolution mechanisms and respect for the dignity of every resident of the state.
According to Mallam Saidu, under the leadership of the Ekiti State governor, security agencies and traditional institutions have worked in concert to prevent ethnic tension, proving that responsible governance can indeed guarantee social cohesion.
Saidu, a former Special Adviser to the Director-General of NIPSS, Kuru, stated that, beyond political rhetoric, the governor deserved a second term of office, given his record and achievements.
He added: “Beyond peace-building, Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through transformative achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, and youth empowerment.
“His administration’s rural road rehabilitation, digital skills initiatives, improved teachers’ welfare, and investments in agriculture have elevated the socio-economic standing of Ekiti State and strengthened public confidence in democratic governance.
“His style of leadership — consultative, transparent, and people-centred — embodies the ideal of modern public service.”
The APTT chairman, therefore, stated that the group has unequivocally declared that Oyebanji deserved a second term as the governor of Ekiti State.
“Continuity of his developmental vision will consolidate the remarkable gains already achieved and propel Ekiti State further towards sustainable prosperity,” he added.
The APTT chairman also warned those he said are disgruntled political elements who, having failed to match the performance of Governor Oyebanji, have resorted to blackmail and sponsorship of malicious campaigns through some civil society fronts, to desist from such acts.
“Such unpatriotic behaviour is reckless, divisive, and detrimental to the collective progress of Ekiti State. We urge them to desist immediately from these desperate antics, for no amount of falsehood can obscure the truth of Governor Oyebanji’s good works.
“We in the Arewa Professionals Think Tank (APTT) hereby reaffirm our solidarity with Governor Oyebanji and also call on all patriotic good people of Ekiti State to support him,” he further stated.
