“My Ambition Is Not Worth Bloodshed” — Oyebanji Sends Strong Message Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that no political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen as tension gradually builds ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state.

The governor, who is seeking a second term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the statement during his statewide engagement tour across Emure, Ise/Orun, and Ikere Local Government Areas.

Speaking to party supporters, community leaders, and residents, Oyebanji appealed for calm and urged political actors to avoid violence, intimidation, and hostility during the election period. According to him, the people of Ekiti must place peace above politics and ensure the election remains issue-based rather than confrontational.

“My second-term ambition is not worth the blood of any Ekiti man or woman,” the governor said. “APC is a party of peace, law, and order, and we want a peaceful election.”

His remarks come at a time when political activities are intensifying across the state, with parties mobilising supporters ahead of what is expected to become one of the most closely watched governorship contests in the South-West.

Oyebanji noted that since the beginning of his statewide campaign and citizens’ engagement tour, there had been no record of political violence. He described this as a positive sign and urged residents and party supporters not to allow desperation or political rivalry destroy the peaceful atmosphere currently being maintained across the state.

The governor also challenged members of the APC to focus on grassroots mobilisation rather than confrontation with opposition parties. He encouraged supporters to return to their wards and polling units to canvass votes peacefully and convince voters through performance and development projects.

During the campaign tour, Oyebanji highlighted several infrastructure projects carried out under his administration and through collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

According to him, projects such as the Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, Moshood Road, agricultural initiatives, and the Ikere-Akure Highway have improved transportation, economic activities, and daily life for residents in the state.

He specifically pointed to the reconstruction of major roads connecting Ekiti communities, saying travel time between Akure and Ikere had significantly reduced due to ongoing federal road projects.

“Journey from Akure to Ikere now takes less than thirty minutes because of the work done on the road,” he stated.

Oyebanji argued that the projects executed by both the state and federal governments demonstrate why the APC should remain in power at both levels. He insisted that continuity would guarantee more development, improved infrastructure, job opportunities, and economic growth for the people of Ekiti.

The governor also used the opportunity to praise Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye for her loyalty and contribution to the administration. He described her as a dependable partner and an important part of the achievements recorded by the government so far.

Beyond infrastructure and campaign promises, the governor’s message appeared carefully designed to project stability and political maturity at a time when elections across Nigeria are increasingly monitored for violence, voter intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric.

Political observers say Oyebanji’s emphasis on peaceful conduct may resonate with voters who are more concerned about governance, security, and economic conditions than political hostility.

The APC candidate also expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the election, setting what he described as an ambitious target for victory across polling units in the state.

According to him, the party is working toward a dominant electoral performance and expects strong voter turnout from registered supporters across Ekiti.

However, analysts believe the election will still test the governor’s popularity, the APC’s influence in the South-West, and the strength of opposition mobilisation within the state.

As campaigns intensify in the coming weeks, attention is expected to shift toward voter participation, campaign conduct, and the ability of political leaders to maintain peace throughout the process.

For now, Oyebanji’s declaration that political ambition should never lead to bloodshed has added a strong tone of caution and responsibility to the growing election atmosphere in Ekiti State.