Ahead of the 20 June governorship election in Ekiti State, the Governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to co-contenders from other political parties to embrace decency in their campaigns in line with the Electoral Act.
The governor reiterated his resolve to approach the election with a mission to campaign peacefully across the state, stating that political actors must play their roles and leave the rest for God to crown their efforts.
Oyebanji made the remarks on Friday during the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme, stressing the importance of peace during the forthcoming election and urging politicians to shun violence and campaigns of calumny capable of disrupting the peace of the state.
The Governor, in a short address to the congregation, also covenanted prayers for the success of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, as well as the re-election of the President in the 2027 polls.
Speaking on his recent awards as Governor of the Year (2025) by some reputable media organisations, Oyebanji said he dedicated all the awards and recognitions to the people of Ekiti. He stressed that he was able to receive the honours because of the mandate given to him by the people, as well as their continued support for the programmes and policies of his administration.
He said, “I sat down there when the Chaplain was reeling out the awards; the awards are not for me, they are for you — the good people of Ekiti. So, whatever assignment I am given as Governor of Ekiti State, it is on behalf of the Ekiti people, because if you had not elected me to be here, nobody would recognise me.
“So, all those awards, to the glory of God, belong to all of you. Your support and prayers made it happen, and I still covet your prayers that in all those assignments, I will do things that will make God proud.
“As INEC announced the campaign timelines, let us continue to live in peace, let us continue to preach peace to everyone, and let us keep one thing in mind — that a man cannot receive anything unless God wills it.
“It is good for us to aspire, it is good for us to try, but once you aspire and try and it does not come to you, just accept it; next time it will come. We do not have to bring down the roof of the house. I am talking to my politician friends — many aspirations will come; there is no problem with aspiring, but it is only God who gives power to whom He wills at His own time. So, our time will come at the fullness of time.
“As we move towards 20 June, I can assure you that as the candidate of my party, the APC, I am bound by the Electoral Act. I am not going to trouble the state; we will campaign with all decency because we know that power belongs to God. I also invite all my co-contestants to conduct their campaigns within the limits of order and decency. If you want to rule our people, you should not trouble them. The people will decide, and God will guide us aright. There is nothing to fear; 20 June will come and go without any problem.
“As we pray for Ekiti State, I beseech you, brethren, to also continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have a President who means well and is stretching himself from all sides to serve the people and carry the burden of this country. This is a man who has been gracious to us in Ekiti. So, as you pray for the Governor, please pray for him.