As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, a broad coalition of residents and members of the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) community have staged a solidarity rally in Ado-Ekiti to endorse the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The demonstrators, who marched through the state capital, cited the administration’s inclusive governance model and the successful implementation of the Ekiti State Disability Law as primary reasons for their support. The endorsement marks a significant grassroots movement for the incumbent governor, who has positioned “Human Capital Development” as a central pillar of his six-point development agenda.
The rally highlighted several key achievements of the administration, particularly the employment of over 28 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state civil service and the provision of free healthcare services at all primary healthcare centers for vulnerable groups. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, who received the protesters on behalf of the Governor, reiterated that the administration does not view disability as a burden but as a unique attribute that contributes to the diversity of the state. She noted that the government has invested over 100 million Naira in vocational training and start-up kits for PWDs, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills needed for economic independence in sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring, and catering.
Political stakeholders from the Ekiti North Senatorial District, led by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, have also added their voices to the call for continuity. During a recent stakeholders’ meeting, a motion was unanimously passed endorsing Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, for a second term, arguing that the “Renewed Hope” agenda in the state requires an eight-year cycle to be fully consolidated. The endorsement by the PWDs is seen as a tactical advantage for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, as it signals a shift toward “compassionate politics” that resonates with the marginalized sections of the electorate.
Analyst perspectives on the Ekiti 2026 race suggest that Governor Oyebanji’s biggest strength lies in his ability to maintain peace within the party and foster a non-confrontational relationship with the opposition. By focusing on social welfare and infrastructure, he has built a “silent majority” of supporters who value stability over political rhetoric. However, observers also warn that the road to 2026 will require the Governor to manage the high expectations of the youth population and address the rising cost of living at the local level. The broader implications of this early endorsement suggest that the APC in Ekiti is aiming for a “consensus” approach to the 2026 polls, hoping that a unified front will deter formidable challenges from rival political parties.
