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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

All Progressives Congress Women Leaders in Ekiti State have sent a clear message to those threatening to contest against Governor Biodun Oyebanji in June 20, 2026 governorship election to have a rethink, saying there is no vacancy in the state till 2030.

The APC State Women Leader, Mrs Caroline Egunjobi, boasted at separate locations in Ikere, Ilawe and Igede Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere, Ekiti Southwest and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Governments respectively, during a party’s mobilisation tour to ramp up support for Governor Oyebanji.

This firm position was also affirmed by the APC Women Leaders in Ikere Council Area, Mrs Kikelomo Babalola and her counterparts in Ekiti Southwest, Mrs Abiodun Oladapo and Irepodun/Ifelodun Council, Mrs Aanu Elegbeleye, in their separate presentations.

The programme was conceptualised by the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who was represented at the event by her Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Toyin Adepoju, to mobilise women for the governor ahead of the APC primary and the 2026 polls

Speaking pointedly at the event, Mrs Caroline Eegunjobi, overtly posited that the women declared support for Governor Oyebanji on the strength of his exhilarating performance rating in the last two and half years.

She affirmed total loyalty to the governor on behalf of the women and promised to deliver massive votes for him in the primary election and other polls, saying the development and peace being enjoyed in Ekiti under the current government were unprecedented

“We are saying that there is no vacancy in Ekiti State government house. We have heard about some people who are ready to join the race, no problem about this. But we are sending a clear message that we are for Governor Oyebanji”, the women leader stated.

In her message of hope to the womenfolk, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, praised the APC women for their loyalty to the party and the government, describing this as an impetus for the governor to deliver.

Mrs Afuye appealed that they shouldn’t betray the confidence reposed in them in the primary and the main election, while urging them to rebuff the “moneybags”, who are desperately contriving ways to purchase their conscience during the APC primary.

“I have a message from Governor Oyebanji and our First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and the message is that: this government will never neglect you. We are for you 100%.

“My boss and his wife have done well to uplift women politically, administratively and financially. They will do more if given the chance till 2030. We shouldn’t allow any intruder to steal our ticket.

“The primary election is coming, we are not in any way afraid. I plead with you, women are progressives wherever they are, don’t allow anyone to mislead you with money. Be committed to our party and we will not disappoint you”.

Lending credence to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has performed creditably well, the Chairperson, Ekiti APC Women Elders’ Council, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, said the message by women shows that there is no division within their ranks.

Mrs Okunsanya averred that the APC shall be victorious in the next governorship poll with support coming from women, who are known for political consciousness and effective participations in the electioneering process.

“Anywhere we go, the atmosphere was always charged with messages of goodwill for the governor, the First Lady and the Deputy Governor. I was coming to preach unity, but I could see that the unity was already existing among our women. Continue in your support for Governor Oyebanji

“Those who are threatening to take over the government will be put to shame. There is no way for them with the messages we are getting from you. The primary election is coming and the candidate we have is Governor Biodun Oyebanji”.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, urged the women and other party members to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to be declared by Independent National Electoral Commission.

Awe said the massive turn out of women at the mobilisation tour was a well amplified message that Ekiti is safe for Governor Oyebanji in the impending primary and governorship poll.

On the entourage are: Local Government Chairmen, Hon Sola Elesin-led State Working Committee, Commissioners, Special Advisers, women groups, market women, among others