Ekiti poll: Why BAO has no rival
In the political history of Ekiti State—a land defined by its fierce intellectualism and uncompromising demand for integrity—the “second term” has historically been a mountain often cited but rarely climbed
- By Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo (DSE)
In the political history of Ekiti State—a land defined by its fierce intellectualism and uncompromising demand for integrity—the “second term” has historically been a mountain often cited but rarely climbed with ease. For decades, that political landscape was marred by a cycle of “one-and-done” tenures, characterized by friction and the abandonment of progress. However, as we stand at the threshold of 2026, a new wind is blowing through the hills of our beloved Fountain of Knowledge. It is the wind of stability, of quiet brilliance, and of a leader who has redefined the very essence of the Social Contract.
That leader is Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).
As someone who has an avid interest in and has followed Ekiti’s development, I do not make this call lightly. I am advocating for more than just a routine re-election; I am calling for a resounding, landslide victory that serves as a loud “Thank You” and a clear mandate for uninterrupted transformation. Here is why Ekiti must stay the course.
The Architecture of Peace and Inclusion
The most profound achievement of the Oyebanji administration is one that cannot be measured only in bags of cement or kilometers of asphalt: it is the unprecedented political stability he has midwifed. Before BAO, Ekiti was often a theater of political warfare. Today, for the first time since the return to democracy in 1999, we see a Governor who leads with a “Big Tent” philosophy - a reason why i have tagged him “The Ekiti Consensus Builder”
His humility is not a campaign stunt; it is his character. By reaching across party lines, honoring traditional institutions, and maintaining an open door for the common man and the elite alike, BAO has healed the fractures of Ekiti state. A leader who brings peace brings development, for nothing thrives in a theater of war.
The Evidence of the Eyes: Infrastructure and Economy
While some specialize in the “politics of noise,” Governor Oyebanji has mastered the politics of impact. His administration has turned Ekiti into a vast construction site, but with a strategic difference. Over 350 kilometers of roads have been targeted, with key links like the Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1 completed and the Agro-Allied Cargo Airport now a reality for commercial operations. BAO’s administration has heavily focused on both rehabilitation and new construction to improve connectivity, with many projects carried out in collaboration with the World Bank under the RAAMP initiative
But BAO understands that you cannot “drive” on an empty stomach. His “Agricultural Revolution” has seen over 5,000 hectares of land cleared for youth and investors, backed by 50% subsidies on seeds and tractorization. This is not just farming; it is the creation of a sustainable economic engine that is already providing jobs for over 5,000 of our youths. His achievements in Agriculture also include the following remarkable interventions - Establishment of Farm clusters and hubs, Ikun Dairy Farm revitalisation, food security and price stabilisation, securing farm settlements and Partnerships for growth such as with Partners like Cavista holdings to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cassava
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Human Capital: The Ekiti Gold Mine
As the “Fountain of Knowledge,” the greatest export is the brainpower of the Ekiti People. BAO has protected this legacy with surgical precision: with sustenance of initiatives such as the Ekiti knowledge zone/ a vigorous pursuit of digital skills acquisition for Ekiti Youths
Health: The Ulerawa Health Insurance scheme now covers over 200,000 residents, and infant mortality has been slashed by more than half—from 96 deaths per 1,000 to approximately 44. This is the hallmark of a pro-life, pro-people government. His accomplishment include the completion of 10 secondary healthcare facilities across the state, upgrade of Ekiti state University teaching hospital facilities and numrous other healthcare interventions
Education: With over N14 billion invested in transforming 203 public secondary schools and the recruitment of over 1,000 teachers, he is ensuring that the child of a tailor in Ijero has the same digital tools as a child in Lagos or Abuja.
Welfare: He has remained the “Workers’ Governor,” consistently paying salaries, pensions, and clearing over N118 billion in inherited arrears and gratuities. He has proven that empathy is a valid tool of governance.
The Mandate for 2026
Some may ask, “If he has done so well, why the need for a resounding victory?” The answer is simple: Momentum. Ekiti cannot afford a “restart.” Ekiti cannot afford the luxury of trial and error or the return of the era of abandoned projects. The awards—be it “Best Tourism Governor 2024,” the “Marketing Edge Excellence Award,” or the recent “New Telegraph Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2025”—are not just trophies for his shelf; they are sound and reputable validations of a formula that is working.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is a man of impeccable character, a listener, and a performer. He has shown that you can be powerful without being a tyrant, and effective without making too much noise.
In 2026, the people of Ekiti must not just vote; they must send a message. A message that says they value excellence. A message that says they choose progress over propaganda. Let us return this “Homegrown Governor” with a mandate so overwhelming that it cements transition of Ekiti State from a state of “potential” to a state of “prosperity.”
Ekiti is rising. BAO is the pilot. Let the flight continue.
- Dr. Ehinlanwo (DSE) is a Public Affairs Analyst, ICT Consultant, and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress
