Ekiti: Second Term Reflects Voters’ Confidence In Oyebanji – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his second-term inauguration, describing his re-election as a reflection of democratic accountability and the confidence of the electorate.

Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s congratulations during Oyebanji’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday, October 16, following his victory in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

According to the Vice President, winning a second term carries greater responsibility because it reflects the judgement of voters who have experienced a leader’s performance.

“The first mandate may be inspired by promise, but the second is earned through the judgement of those who have experienced our leadership,” he said.

Shettima said the renewed mandate presented Oyebanji with another opportunity to serve the people of Ekiti State, urging him to sustain the qualities that earned him re-election.

He described public service as “the noblest duty public life offers,” adding that the honour of holding office becomes more meaningful when citizens assess a leader’s record and choose to renew their confidence.

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The Vice President also called on the governor and other political stakeholders to prioritise the state’s development over political differences during the next four years.

“The next four years demand the generosity of spirit that enabled this victory and a greater willingness to place Ekiti above the quarrels of the moment,” he said.

Shettima commended Oyebanji’s leadership approach, citing his ability to listen, respect institutions and make decisions without treating public office as a personal privilege.

“Your performance has displayed composure, respect for institutions and a refusal to mistake public office for personal grandeur,” he said.

He also thanked the people of Ekiti for giving the All Progressives Congress (APC) another opportunity to govern the state, urging the party to remain accountable to those who entrusted it with power.

“You have renewed our privilege to serve. We owe you the discipline of a party that remembers who gave it power,” Shettima said.

On the Federal Government’s economic policies, the Vice President said the reforms introduced by Tinubu were necessary to address longstanding fiscal challenges and structural distortions in the Nigerian economy.

He acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had faced amid the reforms, saying their sacrifices should translate into improved economic opportunities and better use of public resources.

“Nigerians have endured the discomfort of typical corruption. Their passion deserves an economy that rewards work, expands opportunity and makes public resources answer more desperately to public needs,” he said.

Shettima also commended the APC’s national leadership, state leaders and party members in Ekiti for their support and political organisation, stressing that electoral victories must translate into effective governance.

“A political organisation proves its worth when electoral victories are converted into the nation’s work of government,” he said.