Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Peace Ahead of Governorship Election

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the June 20 governorship election, stressing that peace remains indispensable to the state’s development and stability.

Oyebanji made this known on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti when he received members of the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by retired Gen. Martins Agwai.

The governor assured that his party and government would continue to uphold peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process, noting that Ekiti State cannot afford to compromise its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.

According to him, the culture of peaceful elections in the state has been reinforced over time, recalling that a similar peace accord ahead of the last governorship election contributed significantly to a violence-free process.

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“This is going to be my second signing of the Peace Accord. About three and a half years ago, we made similar commitments, and all stakeholders upheld it, resulting in a peaceful election,” Oyebanji said.

He added that the current political atmosphere in the state reflects a new culture of tolerance and restraint, describing the recent local government tour across the 16 local government areas as completely violence-free.

“For the first time, we had a statewide political engagement that was entirely peaceful. That shows the direction we are heading as a state,” he noted.

The governor maintained that sustainable development is only possible in an atmosphere of peace, adding that political actors must resist any temptation toward violence.

“We understand the link between peace and development. If you genuinely want to serve the people, you cannot unleash violence on them. We will do everything necessary to ensure peace before, during, and after the election,” he stated.

Earlier, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by Gen. Martins Agwai, said the committee was in Ekiti State to engage political stakeholders and reinforce commitments toward a peaceful and credible governorship election.

He emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process to ensure citizens fully benefit from democratic governance.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, APC Chairman Barr. Olusola Eleshin, Special Adviser on Media Yinka Oyebode, as well as religious leaders including Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.