The President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji Statewide Endorsement Committee has denied that Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State is bankrolling Tinubu’s numerous endorsements taking place all over the state, saying that those endorsing him are doing so of their own free will.
The committee also dismissed the claim that the endorsements amount to campaigns, which violates the extant rules by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which guides the conduct of elections in the country.
Speaking on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, while briefing the press on preparation for the statewide endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebanji, slated for Monday, July 28, 2025, the Chairman of the Committee and former Deputy Governor, Mr Abiodun Aluko, said the endorsements are a people-driven affirmation of the transformative leadership of Tinubu and Oyebanji.
“President Tinubu remains a strong pillar of democratic stability and national development, and it is only fitting that this programme provides an opportunity to express our collective endorsement and appreciation.
“We equally celebrate the sterling achievements of our own Governor, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. In less than three years, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated uncommon focus, humility, and effectiveness in governance,” he said.
Also speaking at press parley, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, said that the governor has not deployed any kobo of his resources either as governor or as a private individual for his endorsements because “he knows that the moment he does that, he will be seen as buying his endorsement.
“People are voluntarily canvassing for his second term in office as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. We are spending our personal resources to sponsor the endorsement.
“We are not speaking for APC, but the entire people of Ekiti State. As you can see, there is no party sloganeering. If it were to be APC affairs, the person to address you is the party chairman; none of the party executives in the state are here, so no reason to suggest that it’s party affairs.”
On whether the endorsements do not amount to campaigns, which is contrary to the INEC rules and regulations, he said, “We are not campaigning until after the primary election, we are only expressing our views as guarantees by the constitution on freedom of association and expression.”
