…as SWAGA launches 2nd campaign summit in Ekiti for President Tinubu, Oyebanji reelections

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni and the Board Chairman of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Senator Dayo Adeyeye, have declared that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has made a positive impact on the nation’s economy.

This is as they said that the President has put the economy on a solid foundation, which needed to be rapidly built upon.

The duo spoke on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) 2.0 Summit held in Ekiti to rally support for the re-election bid of the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election and that of President Tinubu in the 2027 general poll.

Oni, who expressed optimism on Nigeria’s economic situation, stated that: “The economy is being stabilised. We are beginning to see predictability return. The foundation has been laid, and Nigeria can stand tall again

“What is left now is to build rapidly on it. It’s more than four years job. I congratulate all of us witnessing this. We expect a much more marked as we begin to see the horizon more clearly”

On his part, the National Chairman of SWAGA and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adeyeye, lauded Oyebanji for his wisdom in bringing together political stakeholders in the state

“I don’t know how he has been able to do it, bringing all of us together to foster unity in the state. He has been able to bring the whole state together. It’s a great achievement”

He stated that the event was a summit by SWAGA to mobilise support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and the state governor, Oyebanji

“But before the general election, there is a June 20 governorship election in Ekiti. We want Oyebanji’s reelection. When he wins handsomely, we can all move together to deliver Ekiti for Mr President. He will win, but we set a target at 500,000. We want to surpass it

“At the beginning of SWAGA, we were few, just small groups scattered here and there. But today, we have the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Speaker with us. We must acknowledge and appreciate their presence.

“The Governor has delivered visible development, especially in infrastructure, such as road construction. During my time as Pro-Chancellor of EKSU, funding and unpaid salaries were major issues. Today, lecturers say they are experiencing better conditions.

“This election is not just about winning; it is about a landslide victory”.Adeyeye said.

Oyebanji at the event revealed how difficult it was to manage the state’s finances before Tinubu assumed office, especially in terms of the payment of salaries

The governor, who highlighted some achievements of his administration, mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects, including major road constructions and the completion of the Ekiti airport, courtesy of federal support.

Oyebanji also used the platform to rally political support ahead of the June 20 governorship election, setting an ambitious target of 500,000 votes, with projections of up to 700,000 votes in the subsequent presidential election.

He emphasised peaceful conduct during the elections, stating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not engage in violence or divisive politics.

His words, “We were in the middle of our campaign, but we had to set today aside and cancel all campaign programmes just to honour SWAGA.

“I spent six months in office before Asiwaju became President. During those six months, I never had a sound sleep.

“As the end of every month approached, you had to rack your brain on how to meet obligations. I became friends with many bank managing directors, taking overdrafts from here and there just to pay salaries. You couldn’t even think about development.

“Immediately, as Asiwaju became President, governance became easier for all of us. Every time I wake up, I go on my knees and thank God that I am a governor during this period. There can never be a better time to be a governor than now.

“From Awo to Itawure, to Iju, to Ikere, to Ado, you can now travel within 30 minutes. The Itawure–Ilawe–Ikere–Ado road is under construction, while the Ado–Ifaki Road and other federal roads have been rehabilitated. We were able to complete the airport because of the support of the President.

“If in three years and seven months we have achieved this level of development, imagine what will happen in eight years.

“We must not be complacent. Go back to your wards and polling units. Don’t go alone; mobilise at least three to five voters each. With 177 wards in Ekiti, we will win them all by the grace of God.

“Politics should not divide us. Our ambitions are not worth the blood of any Ekiti indigene. We will remain civil and focus on issues”.

The Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, urged voters to come out and vote for the governor, whom he described as a foundational figure in Ekiti State’s history, having served as secretary during the state’s creation in 1996.

Ojo added that Oyebanji’s reelection would reinforce support for President Tinubu during the general election.