Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has inaugurated a team of 5,000 grassroots canvassers to mobilise support for his re-election and that of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2026 governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
The Person-to-Person Community Canvassers for Oyebanji/Afuye and Tinubu initiative was coordinated by the Director-General of the Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotosho.
Speaking during the inauguration, Oyebanji commended the volunteers for their commitment to mobilising voters and urged them to maintain peace and civility while engaging communities ahead of the June 20 governorship poll.
The governor called on residents of Ekiti to show appreciation to President Tinubu by turning out massively during the election.
“The only way to say thank you to President Tinubu for all he has been doing for Ekiti State is to come out en masse on June 20 and test the microphone,” Oyebanji said.
Expressing confidence in the All Progressives Congress’ chances, the governor said the party was not only aiming for victory but also seeking a significant vote margin that could strengthen its prospects in the 2027 general elections.
“For the presidential election, we don’t want to leave anyone behind. I will hold you to your promises, and it is doable,” he added.
Oyebanji also urged the canvassers to promote unity across the state and avoid confrontations with members of other political parties.
“We are one in Ekiti State. Politics should not divide us. I don’t want you to fight with anyone,” he said.
The governor further appealed to political contestants and opposition parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully, stressing that no political ambition should lead to violence.
“Let everyone present their manifestoes to the people of Ekiti State and allow them to decide. No ambition is worth the blood of any citizen,” he stated.
He also encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election.
Earlier in her remarks, Oso-Omotosho explained that the canvassers volunteered based on their belief in the governor’s achievements and commitment to grassroots development.
According to her, each canvasser has been tasked with mobilising at least 25 voters, a strategy expected to deliver about 125,000 votes in the next election.
“We have also developed a dedicated vote-tracking website to monitor and verify the numbers,” she said.
She noted that the volunteers were drawn from communities, markets, places of worship, and other grassroots networks across the state.
“They are not political office seekers. They are ordinary citizens going door-to-door and person-to-person to canvass support for continuity and progress,” Oso-Omotosho said.
She added that the initiative reflects the public’s enthusiasm for community service and their support for the governor’s leadership style, which she described as inclusive and humanitarian.