Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, has called for a peaceful conduct of the June 20 governorship election. He stated that no electoral victory is worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen. Oyebanji made the appeal during campaign rallies in Emure, Ise/Orun, and Ikere Local Government Areas. He urged politicians and supporters to avoid violence before, during, and after the election.
The governor emphasized issue-based campaigning and commended the APC for maintaining peaceful conduct across the state during its campaign activities. He asked party loyalists not to engage in any action that could trigger unrest. Oyebanji highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects carried out by his administration and the federal government under President Bola Tinubu. He cited major road projects across Ekiti as evidence of development progress.
At Ise-Ekiti, Oyebanji announced that work would soon begin on the Ise-Ijan Road. He also revealed plans to establish the Olowe Museum to promote arts, culture, and tourism in the community. The governor encouraged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election. He expressed confidence in the party's chances, citing its performance in office as the basis for public support.
During the rallies, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC in Emure-Ekiti. Traditional rulers in the towns visited offered prayers for Oyebanji's re-election. The governor urged residents to support the APC in appreciation of the administration's projects.
Oyebanji condemns election-related bloodshed while leading a party that benefits from the defection of opponents, blurring the line between peace advocacy and political gain. His appeal for calm occurs alongside active campaigning for re-election, making the call conditional on support for his administration. The promise of road repairs and a new museum ties development to electoral loyalty, not universal public good. Peace is framed not as a neutral imperative but as a reward for backing the ruling party.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
