By Gbenga Sodeinde
In Ado-Ekiti.
Some operators within Ekiti State’s informal economy have declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term ambition, citing improved economic activities and a more enabling environment for small-scale businesses under his administration.
In separate interviews with The Heritage News in Ado-Ekiti, three women identified simply as Lovet, Gina and Victoria—who operate within the hospitality and nightlife sector—said they support the governor’s re-election bid due to increased patronage of customers experienced during his tenure.
According to them, the relative peace in the state, improved security, and steady inflow of visitors have positively affected their means of livelihood.
“We like the governor because Ekiti is calm and people move freely,” one of them said. “When there is peace, business moves.”
A visit to a hospitality facility in the Irona–Atikankan axis of Ado-Ekiti revealed campaign posters bearing the images of Governor Oyebanji, prominently displayed within the premises.
The posters carried inscriptions indicating support for the governor’s second-term bid by private business interests operating in the area.
Political observers noted that this endorsement is part of a wider pattern of support coming from various grassroots groups and informal associations across the state.
In recent months, several traders’ unions and artisan groups—including beer sellers, corn sellers (Agbado), fruit sellers, food vendors, palm wine sellers, and commercial motorcycle riders (Okada)—have publicly declared support for Oyebanji’s continuity in office.
Many of these groups attribute their support to what they describe as a stable business climate, improved infrastructure, and government policies they believe have encouraged the growth of micro and small-scale enterprises.
As the 2026 governorship election approaches, analysts say endorsements from grassroots economic actors highlight the increasing influence of the informal sector in shaping political narratives and voter sentiment in Ekiti State.