Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has firmly addressed mounting concerns about his 2026 re-election bid, declaring that he won’t lose sleep over political machinations while maintaining his focus on delivering good governance to the people of Ekiti State.
Speaking at the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship held at the Jibowu Hall in Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji revealed his growing frustration with the constant stream of text messages from politicians expressing anxiety about his political future. The governor’s candid response to these concerns offers a rare glimpse into the pressures facing incumbent governors well before election season begins.
What God does not give a man, he cannot have it, and when God makes up his mind, nobody can stop him,” Oyebanji stated, addressing the political class’s premature concerns about the 2026 gubernatorial race. His remarks reflect a leadership philosophy that appears to prioritize performance over political maneuvering, even as speculation about his re-election chances intensifies.
The governor’s approach to these political pressures reveals an interesting dynamic in Nigerian state politics, where incumbents often face pressure to begin re-election preparations years before their first term ends. Oyebanji’s response challenges this conventional wisdom, suggesting that good governance should take precedence over electoral calculations.
Addressing criticisms about his political acumen, Oyebanji acknowledged that some detractors view him as politically naive. Some complain that I’m not a politician and that I don’t understand politics,” he revealed, but maintained that such critiques don’t disturb his peace of mind. This admission provides insight into the tension between technocratic governance and political gamesmanship that often characterizes Nigerian state administration.
The governor’s confidence appears rooted in his administration’s track record of progress across various sectors, which he attributes to divine intervention despite challenging economic conditions. This emphasis on tangible achievements over political positioning represents a departure from the traditional political playbook, where early positioning for re-election often takes precedence over governance.
Oyebanji’s message to anxious politicians was clear and direct: “For those that are worried about 2026, sending me text messages every day, don’t bother yourselves. God that did the last one will do it again.” This statement not only reflects his personal faith but also suggests a leadership style that prioritizes present responsibilities over future political contests.
The governor’s stance raises important questions about the relationship between governance and politics in Nigeria’s state-level administration. While political survival often demands early preparation for re-election, Oyebanji’s approach suggests that successful governance itself might be the best campaign strategy.
His reference to his successful 2022 election campaign as evidence of divine providence adds another dimension to his political philosophy, suggesting that competent leadership and faith can triumph over political machinations. This perspective challenges the conventional wisdom about political success in Nigerian state politics, where early campaign preparations and political networking are often seen as crucial to electoral victory.
The governor’s message resonates beyond Ekiti State, potentially offering a template for other state executives facing similar pressures to begin re-election campaigns years before their terms end. His focus on delivering on electoral promises rather than securing re-election could represent a new approach to state governance in Nigeria.
As Ekiti State continues to navigate its development challenges under Oyebanji’s leadership, his commitment to prioritizing governance over political calculations will be tested. The coming months will reveal whether this approach can successfully balance the demands of effective administration with the political realities of Nigerian state politics.
