The prominent delegation included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Also in attendance were former Ekiti State governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, Niyi Adebayo, and Kayode Fayemi.

Before the campaign rally, the governors paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where they received royal blessings and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the APC Governors’ Forum, Uzodinma described the gathering as a strong demonstration of unity and confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership.

He said the visit was meant to show solidarity with the governor, encourage the people, and reinforce support for an administration that has promoted peace, unity, and development.

Uzodinma added that the party’s campaign would center on continuity, governance achievements, and sustained progress.

According to him, supporting the APC candidate would mean endorsing continuity, shared vision, and ongoing development, expressing confidence that victory would come through the people’s mandate.

In his address, Governor Oyebanji urged residents to evaluate his administration based on performance rather than emotions.

He stressed that the election should focus on measurable results, highlighting his government’s strides in infrastructure, security, and economic development.

Oyebanji also aligned his administration’s achievements with the broader national development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Other APC governors at the event called on all political stakeholders to shun divisive politics and embrace a peaceful, issue-based campaign.

They emphasized the need for a credible electoral process centered on development and the welfare of the people.

The rally, attended by party leaders, traditional rulers, and supporters, officially signaled the start of the Ekiti 2026 governorship race, setting the stage for a major political contest.

Speaking on Brazilian legend Romário’s YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on the 15 years he spent alongside Messi at Barcelona, portraying him as a footballer far beyond comparison with any player from the past or present.

The former Spanish midfielder said even world-class stars such as Neymar could not rival Messi’s overall impact and extraordinary ability.

Xavi admitted he would like future players to surpass Messi but believes that possibility is highly unlikely.

According to him, Messi excelled in every department of football, from technique and physical strength to tactical intelligence, heading ability, use of both feet, and an unmatched competitive mentality.

He described the Argentine as an extraordinary player who elevated everyone around him whenever he had the ball.

Xavi added that beyond his football brilliance, Messi remains humble, disciplined, hardworking, and deeply committed to perfection.

He recalled first seeing Messi at age 16 and immediately recognizing him as a phenomenon unlike any other, while also praising his personality and character off the pitch.

Xavi also revealed that he had attempted to bring Messi back to Barcelona, but the move did not materialize because the club president rejected the idea.

His remarks further fuel the enduring debate over Messi’s place in football history, having personally witnessed his transformation from teenage sensation to global icon during Barcelona’s golden era.

Messi currently plays for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and is expected to lead Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The updated schedule was released on Monday and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

According to the revised timetable, adjustments have been made to key activities including screening processes, appeals, and primary elections, alongside fresh directives on the sale of nomination forms and designated party bank accounts for payments related to Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Under the new schedule, the APC presidential primary is slated for Saturday, May 23, 2026, while the governorship primaries will hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Primaries for State Houses of Assembly are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, Senate primaries for Monday, May 18, and House of Representatives primaries for Friday, May 15.

The party also announced concessions for female aspirants, youths, and persons living with disabilities, stating that they will only be required to pay for the Expression of Interest form and 50 percent of the prescribed nomination fee for their chosen positions.

The APC retained its nomination fees at ₦100 million for the presidential form and ₦50 million for governorship aspirants.

Senate aspirants are expected to pay ₦20 million, House of Representatives hopefuls ₦10 million, while aspirants for State House of Assembly seats will pay ₦6 million.