Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called on residents of the state to increase their participation in future elections, urging voters to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The governor particularly expressed concern over what he described as low voter turnout in Ikere Ekiti, one of the state’s largest voting blocs, noting that only about 20,000 voters participated in the June 20, 2026 governorship election despite the local government’s registered voting strength of over 70,000.

Oyebanji made the appeal on Saturday at the 2026 edition of the annual Odun Oba Festival held at the palace of the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti and Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado.

Represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye who is also an indigene of Ikere, the governor said President Tinubu had demonstrated strong commitment to Ekiti through appointments and infrastructure projects, stressing that the state should reciprocate by delivering overwhelming support for the President in the next general election.

According to him, Ekiti has enjoyed one of the highest numbers of federal appointments among South-West states under the Tinubu administration, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) target of securing 600,000 votes for the President in 2027 was achievable if eligible voters turned out en masse.

He said, “Going by our registration in Ikere Local Government, a total of 70,000 voters were recorded by INEC, but only 20,000 voted in the last governorship election. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fair to Ikere Ekiti and Ekiti State in terms of appointments and projects.

“If we want more federal presence, it is our votes that will speak for us. Let us come out and vote massively for the President in the 2027 election. He deserves our support.”

The governor also decried persistent voter apathy in the state, warning that poor electoral participation could weaken Ekiti’s influence in attracting federal projects and appointments.

The governor further pledged sustained investment in arts, culture and tourism, describing the sectors as viable tools for boosting internally generated revenue and stimulating grassroots economic growth.

He also commended Oba Adu Alagbado for preserving the cultural heritage of the people, noting that the Odun Oba Festival was steadily gaining national recognition