We Must Do More – Oyebanji Sets Bigger 2027 Vote Target For Tinubu

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said the state will intensify its mobilisation efforts to increase President Bola Tinubu’s votes in the 2027 presidential election.

Oyebanji made the statement on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District in Ifaki-Ekiti, held as part of consultations for the state’s 2027 budget. He said Ekiti would take Tinubu’s re-election bid seriously and urged residents to reciprocate what he described as the President’s support for the state.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the governor pointed to federal appointments and infrastructure interventions in Ekiti as evidence of Tinubu’s support for the state. He said previous voting figures would not be enough and called for increased support in the next presidential election.

“We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election,” Oyebanji said.

The governor also outlined his administration’s priorities for his second term, saying government projects would focus on boosting commerce, improving productivity and promoting sustainable business growth. He stressed the need for value addition, noting that limited public resources must be directed towards projects capable of producing tangible economic benefits.

Oyebanji said the state would continue to prioritise key sectors, including healthcare, electricity, roads and water supply, while maintaining its consultative approach to governance. He said residents would continue to have a role in determining projects and policies that directly affect their communities.

On electricity, the governor said efforts to expand access across communities had recorded progress but were constrained by existing legal arrangements that allow states to generate electricity without full control over distribution.

He also disclosed that collaboration between the state and Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads. He added that other critical roads would be addressed as resources become available.

The governor further commended traditional rulers for their contribution to intelligence gathering and community security, while urging residents to remain vigilant and support efforts to maintain peace across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the state had recruited more than 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants over the past four years. He added that primary and secondary healthcare facilities had been upgraded, while three new general hospitals had been approved for Ipao, Ikogosi and Awo-Ekiti.

Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, disclosed that more than 500 boreholes had been constructed across the state, with another 110 proposed to improve access to potable water and ensure wider distribution among communities.

Traditional rulers and community representatives at the meeting also outlined their expectations for the 2027 budget, identifying roads, electricity, water, healthcare and security as major priorities.

The Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, who spoke on behalf of Ikole Local Government Area, called for urgent intervention in roads, water and electricity, saying poor infrastructure was affecting economic activities in the area.

Similarly, the Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi; the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; and the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, representing Moba, Ido/Osi and Oye local government areas respectively, appealed for greater attention to roads, electricity, security and water supply.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo, Head of Service Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, political leaders and representatives of various community groups.