Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has appealed to the All Progressives Congress leadership to help end the second-term governorship jinx in Ekiti.
Mr Oyebanji made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja at the party’s national secretariat while submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to re-contest the governorship election.
The event drew Ekiti political heavyweights, including lawmakers and members of the APC National Working Committee.
Mr Oyebanji noted that since the creation of Ekiti, no governor had served two consecutive terms, a situation he described as hindering the state’s growth and development.
“Since Ekiti was created, no governor has done a second term in a stretch. This has continually retarded our progress as a state. If the people have gathered in this number to plead with you, then we see it as a jinx that must be broken.
“We see it as a reproach that has slowed our growth. We do not want the current gains to be reversed,” the governor said.
Mr Oyebanji expressed confidence that the party’s national leadership would conduct a free and fair primary election scheduled for October 17. He said that although members had the right to contest, only loyal and qualified candidates should be considered for the governorship ticket.
He assured that he would participate fully in the primary election, noting that he had no cause for fear.
“We have no cause to fear. But the APC leadership must see this as a precursor to 2027. I plead, help us break this jinx,” he said.
Mr Oyebanji promised to focus more on education, innovation, and technology if elected for a second term. He dismissed reports of division in the Ekiti APC, stressing that the party remained united and strong in the state.
“Ekiti APC is one of the strongest in Nigeria. We are united, working towards one goal of safeguarding and developing the state,” he maintained.
He also affirmed that his relationship with former Governor Kayode Fayemi remained cordial, noting Fayemi’s active involvement in party activities in the state.
“He will attend our forthcoming stakeholders’ meeting in Ekiti. Talk of division is mere propaganda. APC in Ekiti remains indivisible,” Mr Oyebanji said.
Opeyemi Bamidele, speaking at the event, said Mr Oyebanji had the backing of all well-meaning Ekiti indigenes, including Fayemi, the former governor.
He added that Mr Oyebanji had excelled in human capital development, maintained political stability, and delivered infrastructure across the state, thereby deserving another term in office.
(NAN)
