JUNE 20 EKITI GUBER POLL:
Ado Ekiti Mega Rally Signals Massive Support for BAO/MCA Re-election Bid
By Femi Alufa with EkitiSummit News Reporters
ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE — Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, came alive with political excitement on Thursday,June 16,2026 as thousands of supporters converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion and major streets across the city for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mega Campaign Rally in support of the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye (MCA).
The grand finale campaign rally, widely regarded as one of the largest political gatherings in the state’s recent history, attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC governors, National Assembly members, ministers, party leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from across the country.
Supporters from the sixteen local government areas and 177 wards of the state turned out in large numbers, transforming the state capital into a sea of APC colours as party faithful, market women, youths, artisans, community leaders, and political supporters marched through designated routes chanting solidarity songs and expressing confidence in the Oyebanji administration.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima described the Oyebanji-Afuye ticket as a symbol of stability, experience, and continuity.
“The joint ticket of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, is a ticket of balance, experience, and continuity that deserves renewal,” the Vice President declared.
“Indeed, continuity for Governor Oyebanji is an investment in the peace, progress, and future of the state.”
He noted that the President remained committed to supporting progressive governance across the country and expressed confidence that Ekiti voters would make the right choice at the polls.
Shettima further highlighted the significance of the rally, noting that he was joined by APC governors, party leaders, National Assembly members, ministers, and other top government officials, reflecting the party’s unity and confidence ahead of the election.
Speaking as Chairman of the APC State Campaign Council, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON, described the rally as the final strategic push to mobilise voters ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
According to him, the APC enters the election with a significant advantage built on Governor Oyebanji’s performance over the last three years.
“Today, we held the All Progressives Congress governorship mega campaign rally for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti,” Bamidele said.
“The grand finale and colourful event was our final push to mobilise voters across the 16 local governments and 177 wards of Ekiti State ahead of Saturday’s election.”
The Senate Leader emphasized that the APC’s campaign was anchored on the administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, economic growth, and social welfare programmes.
He also dismissed suggestions of a formidable opposition challenge, maintaining that the APC remained the dominant political force in the state.
“I also dispelled any notion that there will be a formidable opposition in Saturday’s contest since all major political leaders in the state are back in APC to work for our candidate,” he stated.
Bamidele expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Vice President, APC governors, members of the National Assembly, campaign council members, and party faithful for their commitment throughout the campaign period.
“As we go into the election in a few days, I once again urge all eligible Ekiti voters to renew their social contract with Governor Oyebanji through their votes so that his good work will continue,” he added.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji thanked supporters for the overwhelming show of solidarity and confidence in his administration, assuring them that his government would remain committed to delivering inclusive development and quality governance.
“This massive turnout is a reflection of the collective belief of Ekiti people in our shared vision for development and prosperity,” the governor said.
“We remain committed to serving the people and ensuring that every community benefits from government policies and programmes.”
He urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on exercising their civic responsibility during the election.
Deputy Governor Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye also expressed gratitude to party supporters and encouraged women and young people to participate actively in the democratic process. She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and policies aimed at expanding opportunities for all citizens.
Throughout the rally, speakers repeatedly praised the Oyebanji administration’s leadership style, describing it as consultative, people-centred, and development-driven. They cited improvements in road infrastructure, investments in education and healthcare, agricultural support initiatives, and efforts to attract investors into the state as evidence of effective governance.
Political analysts and observers noted that the turnout underscored the APC’s strong grassroots structure and organisational capacity in Ekiti State. Many described the event as a significant demonstration of political strength capable of influencing voter sentiment ahead of the governorship election.
Security agencies maintained a visible presence throughout the rally to ensure orderliness, while electoral stakeholders continued to call on all political actors to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with electoral regulations.
As Ekiti prepares for the June 20 governorship election, the APC mega rally has undoubtedly raised the tempo of political activities across the state, setting the stage for what many observers believe will be a keenly watched electoral contest.
For supporters of the BAO/MCA ticket, however, the massive turnout in Ado-Ekiti was more than a campaign event- it was a public demonstration of confidence in continuity, stability, and the administration’s development agenda as voters head to the polls.
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