Endorsements Are Not Empty Applause: The Political Validity of Governor Oyebanji’s Widespread Acceptance

By Folorunso S. ALUKO

In the rich theatre of Nigerian politics, endorsements are never accidental. They are not handouts. They are earned. They are the consequential echoes of tangible leadership, a vote of confidence from the people — and, in the case of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) of Ekiti State, they are the moral, political, and developmental validations of a governor whose stewardship is deeply rooted in performance, purpose, and providence.

The narrative peddled by cynics that massive endorsements signify desperation or mask underperformance is not only intellectually lazy, but also politically mischievous. Across the globe, in every functioning democracy, endorsements are a time-honoured tradition — a political testimony of approval. From the working farmer in Irepodun to the seasoned academic in Ado-Ekiti, from the youths in Oye-Ekiti to the Women in Ikere, from civil servants to religious leaders, the chorus in Ekiti is clear: Governor Oyebanji is not only delivering results; he is embodying the very essence of purposeful governance.

To be endorsed across party lines, by both elders and youths, men and women, royal fathers and grassroots influencers, is not a routine occurrence. It is a historic political consensus. It is a social alignment of gratitude and belief. Such endorsement cannot be manipulated — it is the organic outcome of effective governance. The governor’s humility, accessibility, competence, and compassion are resonating deeply with the people, and they are responding with their voices, their votes, and their visible support.

To argue that such outpouring of approval is negative is to deny the very foundation of democracy. If a leader is vilified when rejected and then still condemned when accepted, then critics are no longer engaging in politics — they are performing personal bitterness. But truth, like light, cannot be hidden. Ekiti people are not fools. They are deliberate, informed, and proud of their heritage. They know a good thing when they see one. And in BAO, they see vision, stability, prudence, results, and a rare humanity in leadership.

Development is not noise; it is seen in road networks, water supply, educational reforms, healthcare delivery, civil service reforms, peace and security, and respect for traditional institutions. On every index, BAO is raising the bar. What he lacks in showmanship, he compensates with substance. What he avoids in political drama, he delivers in policy depth. He governs with a calm hand, a deep mind, and a spiritual heart — favored by God and endorsed by men.

Those who say “wait, it’s too early to endorse” forget that performance is not a thing to be hidden until the eve of elections. Excellence demands applause in real-time. And those chasing shadows in the name of 2026 should understand that leadership is not a game of entitlement. Ekiti people have chosen to walk with a man they trust. They are not waiting to be swayed by empty promises or sectional pressure. Their loyalty is earned — not imposed. Their love for BAO is built on experience — not experiment.

Let it be said with clarity: this is not about silencing ambition; it is about acknowledging excellence. Political ambition is not a crime, but ambition without patience, and without respect for performance and the collective will of the people, is dangerous. To every naysayer: relax. The sun will shine on you — but not today. Wait until after 2030. For now, Ekiti is basking in the golden hour of a governor who represents the highest aspirations of her people.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is not perfect — no leader is. But he is sincere, he is strategic, and he is succeeding. And in this season, Ekiti is favored to have him. This wave of endorsement is not noise. It is history in motion. It is democracy affirming its choice. It is performance attracting applause.

So let the governor lead, and let the critics reflect. Let Ekiti continue to rise under the steady hands of a man truly ordained for a time like this.

BAO TILL 2030

Folorunso S. ALUKO - writes from Oye-Ekiti.