Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has appealed to residents of the state to shun violence and maintain peace as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Oyebanji said that no ambition is worth the shedding of blood, warning that his administration would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.
The governor in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday aired on radio and television stations in the state, assured citizens that his government remains committed to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the elections.
He expressed concern over recent cases of violence allegedly orchestrated by some political actors, noting that such incidents threaten the peace that Ekiti has enjoyed under his watch.
Oyebanji noted that security agencies had been fully briefed to prevent political thuggery and ensure Ekiti’s reputation as one of the Nigeria’s most peaceful states is preserved.
He warned individuals he described as “fifth columnists” against exploiting infrastructural challenges to incite unrest, urging political leaders across parties to rein in their supporters.
“It should never be heard that members of my party or those sympathetic to us are involved in acts capable of instigating violence.
“My aspiration is not worth the precious blood of any Ekiti person. No one is allowed to bully, intimidate or coerce another person. Every Ekiti citizen has a right to freely move around and peacefully canvass for votes,” the Governor said.
While acknowledging that political tension often rises during electioneering, Oyebanji reminded residents that Ekiti had previously set a benchmark for peaceful elections in Nigeria.
He said his administration deliberately ran an inclusive government by bringing opposition voices on board in order to promote peace and development.
He, therefore, urged citizens to go about their legitimate activities without fear, assuring them that security operatives will decisively deal with any attempt to destabilize the state.
“The seed of our ambition should not be nurtured with the blood of our followers. The peace of Ekiti is far more important than individual aspirations,” he said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
