Senate leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has ruled out the possibility of contesting the Ekiti State governorship election in 2026.
Bamidele stated that his focus is on working with other progressive-minded individuals in the state to support the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, allowing him to continue his excellent work for the state.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the inauguration of female and male hostels for medical students at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), which he facilitated, Bamidele made his position clear.
The female medical hostel was named after former Ekiti State deputy governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu, while the male hostel was named after the late Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, former Ekiti state deputy governor.
The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District emphasized that his decision not to run for the governorship was in the overall interest of Ekiti’s development and in response to the people’s desire for the continuity of Oyebanji’s excellent performance and exemplary leadership.
He praised Governor Oyebanji’s purposeful leadership and people-oriented policies, which have brought significant development to the state and its people, stating that Ekiti is best led by a competent and experienced leader like Oyebanji.
Bamidele also appealed to anyone who might be disappointed by his decision to forgive him and accept it in good faith, explaining that he chose to partner with Governor Oyebanji for the betterment of Ekiti people.
He said: “It’s not my intention to run for governorship in 2026. I’m sorry if I offended anyone. But I have said it in good faith and I have said it because I know it’s no longer an individual or anyone’s ambition. It’s about our state and the people who are hungry and underemployed. So, I chose to form a partnership that I know in the 8 years of BAO governorship will take Ekiti to greater heights.
“Everything we are doing is because we have a Governor who makes it possible for us to come home and move freely. Let me also say that I will gladly serve as chairman of Governor Oyebanji’s second term campaign. So, those who are expecting us to fight ahead of the governorship poll or those planning to set up a parallel governorship campaign structure for me will wait in vain”, he added.
