Former member of the National Assembly, Senator Ayo Arise, has declared his support for Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, urging party members and stakeholders to rally behind the governor ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Senator Arise said Governor Oyebanji had earned the right to seek a second term, citing what he described as significant improvements in key sectors across the state.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation made the call during a consultation tour with political leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikole and Oye Local Government Areas.
As part of the engagement, Arise met with APC chairmen from Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas, which constitute the Ekiti North Senatorial District.
He urged party members to intensify mobilisation efforts, particularly through the ongoing extension of the e-registration of new members and the revalidation of existing party members, noting that a strong and united party structure would boost the governor’s re-election chances.
According to him, strengthening the APC’s membership base would not only enhance Governor Oyebanji’s electoral prospects but also position the party more favourably for future elections in the state.
Senator Arise commended the governor’s investments in the agriculture sector, describing Ikole Local Government as a major beneficiary following the attraction of investors such as Agbayewa Farms and its designation as a Special Agriculture Processing Zone.
He said communities including Ipao, Oke Ako, Irele and Iyemero, captured within the processing zone, had emerged as hubs of commercial agriculture, creating employment opportunities for thousands of youths.
Arise also cited infrastructure projects such as the Itapa–Ijelu–Omu Road and the Ido–Ipere–Iludun Road, among others, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the development of Ekiti North, urging residents to reciprocate with their votes.
He called on party leaders and members to make the governorship election a priority, stressing that Governor Oyebanji’s victory would ensure the continuity of good governance and purposeful leadership in the state.
Reflecting on his own time in the Senate, Arise said the quality of representation he provided in the areas of infrastructure, projects and human capital development remained unprecedented, adding that he was willing to serve again if given the opportunity.
Party leaders in Ikole Local Government Area, including Chief Ayodele Owoeye, Hon. Segun Adelugba and Mrs. Oluyinka Awe, described Arise’s tenure in the Senate as a “golden era of representation.”
They highlighted the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, which Arise influenced to the district during his time in the Senate, as a landmark legacy project that has transformed the educational, economic and social life of communities such as Ikole, Itapa, Ilupeju and Ayegbaju.
Similarly, Prince Ore Fabunmi and Mrs. Beatrice Adeleye, speaking for the Elders’ Forum in Oye Local Government Area, praised Arise’s contributions to the growth of the APC, describing him as a dependable and competent leader.
Ekiti Polls: Senator Ayo Arise Backs Oyebanji’s Re-Election, Calls for Massive APC Mobilisation
