Ekiti Muslim Women Pledge Massive Support for Oyebanji’s Re-election Bid
Muslim women across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State have pledged to mobilise strongly in support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, citing his inclusive style of leadership and commitment to the welfare of residents.
The assurance was given on Sunday during an engagement between the Governor and members of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ekiti State Chapter, held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the Amira of FOMWAN in the state, Alhaja Aisat Oluwatoyin Jimoh, commended Oyebanji for promoting religious harmony and ensuring that Muslims are adequately represented in government.
According to her, the governor’s administration has boosted the confidence of Muslims in the state and expanded their participation in governance, noting that Oyebanji is the first governor in Ekiti’s history to appoint more than 50 Muslims into his cabinet.
She said the Muslim women had resolved to campaign and mobilise support for the governor’s re-election as a demonstration of appreciation for what they described as his fairness, inclusiveness and people-centred leadership.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, praised Oyebanji’s leadership style and the opportunities his administration has created for Muslim faithful in the state.
Adubiaro, who is also a member of FOMWAN, said the Muslim community had never enjoyed such recognition and inclusion under any previous administration, assuring the governor that Ekiti Muslims would repay his goodwill with overwhelming support at the polls.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji thanked the Muslim women for their prayers and continued support, stressing that his administration would remain committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to all residents of the state, regardless of their religion or political affiliation.
He described their encouragement as a motivation to continue serving the people with sincerity and dedication, adding that his government would sustain policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Ekiti people.
The governor also called on residents to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election, emphasising that the collective interest of Ekiti State should take precedence over personal ambitions and political differences.
“Last week, I visited our fathers not to seek votes but to appreciate them. Today, I am not here to solicit your votes because I have confidence in your support. Four years ago, when I needed your votes, I came to you, and I do not want to take your support for granted now,” he said.
He urged citizens to preserve the peace of the state, noting that elections are temporary but the unity and progress of Ekiti must endure.
“Let us remain peaceful with everyone. Elections will come and go, but Ekiti will remain. It is only God who gives positions, and I believe your prayers have been answered,” Oyebanji added.
