Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday converged on Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, to flag off the 2026 governorship campaign, declaring support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the high-level delegation included Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State; Monday Okpebholo of Edo State; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; and Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
Also present were former Ekiti governors Ayodele Fayose; Segun Oni; Niyi Adebayo; and Kayode Fayemi.
Ahead of the rally, the governors paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where they received royal blessings and pledged commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, Uzodinma described the visit as a show of solidarity and confidence in Oyebanji’s administration.
“We are here in solidarity with one of us. This is to encourage the people and reaffirm our support for a government that has brought unity and progress,” he said.
He added that the party would focus on governance achievements and continuity.
“A vote for our candidate is a vote for continuity, progress and shared vision. We are united and will ensure victory through the will of the people,” Uzodinma stated.
In his remarks, Oyebanji called on residents to support ongoing reforms and judge the election based on performance.
“This election must be about results, not sentiment,” he said, citing achievements in infrastructure, security, and economic management.
He also linked his administration’s efforts to the broader national agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Other governors at the event urged political actors to avoid divisive rhetoric and embrace a peaceful, issue-driven campaign.
They stressed the importance of a credible electoral process focused on development outcomes.
The rally, attended by party leaders, traditional rulers, and supporters, marked the official start of the Ekiti 2026 governorship race, setting the tone for what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
