Ekiti Former Lawmakers Aim To Deliver 500,000 Votes For Tinubu And Oyebanji

According to Ireporter Online, the National Forum of Former Legislators in Ekiti State has intensified grassroots mobilisation efforts aimed at securing no fewer than 500,000 votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, while also strengthening support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

The Ekiti State Coordinator of the forum, Dr. Ifeoluwa Arowosoge, made this known during the inauguration of the forum’s 16 local government chapters held in Ado Ekiti. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader political strategy to reposition former lawmakers as active campaign structures working across all levels of the state.

Arowosoge noted that with the completion of the inauguration across all 16 local government areas, the forum has now been fully established statewide. He added that members drawn from the 177 wards in Ekiti State have already commenced door-to-door campaigns and mobilisation activities ahead of the upcoming governorship election.

He stated that campaign councils had been formally constituted as part of the forum’s strategic engagement, expressing confidence that the target of 500,000 votes would be achieved through sustained mobilisation and efforts to reduce voter apathy across the state.

Arowosoge further disclosed that former councillors, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, and former National Assembly legislators within the forum had already endorsed both Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu for second-term bids, describing the endorsement as a major boost to their political prospects.

He added that beyond electoral politics, the forum is committed to promoting good governance, legislative development, and policy advancement through collaboration with relevant institutions. According to him, the body also plans to organise seminars, workshops, and training programmes aimed at mentoring aspiring lawmakers and strengthening democratic practices.

Commending stakeholders, Arowosoge praised local government coordinators for their mobilisation efforts and urged newly inaugurated officials to work towards delivering decisive victories for the All Progressives Congress in future elections. He also lauded the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described as the convener of the forum, as well as the National Coordinator, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, for their roles in establishing and expanding the initiative.

Also speaking at the event, former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olubunmi Adelugba, and former lawmaker Gabriel Ogundele described the forum as a strategic political platform capable of reshaping the state’s political landscape and strengthening democratic participation.