The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has officially declared his support for the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, commending the incumbent for his exceptional performance in the past two years.
Fayemi made this announcement during an end-of-year meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the state’s 16 local government areas, held at his Isan Ekiti country home on Thursday.
Fayemi, however, emphasised his commitment to democratic principles, stating that his endorsement does not preclude other aspirants from contesting for the party’s ticket.
“I am a democrat, cannot discourage anybody from contesting for the party’s ticket. Anybody who feels he is capable can contest for the party’s ticket. What I am saying is that as for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term in office. We have all agreed that our Governor is an Omoluabi who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. So, the best thing to do is to rally support for him so he can continue the good governance till 2030.
“By April next year, INEC will announce dates for Ekiti election. So, this is a good time to start the work. Let the work begin in our various wards and local government areas. I am a democrat and during my time, I contested against no fewer than 30 other aspirants in 2007 and in 2018 not less than 26 other aspirants showed interest. So, as a democrat I cannot ask anybody not to show interest. Anybody who feels he is sufficiently capable can show interest, should go ahead,” the former Governor added.
Responding to Fayemi’s endorsement, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to former Governor Fayemi and other leaders of the party, said he was humbled by the open declaration by the former Governor whom he described as his “boss, mentor and benefactor.”
Oyebanji said he will do everything possible not to disappoint Fayemi and other leaders of the APC. He said, “When you made me SSG in 2018, I said I would do everything to make you proud. When in 2021 you told me of the party’s decision to have me as the flagbearer, I remember I also told you, I will make you proud. I believe I have been able to make you proud through the various programmes and policies that have brought joy to the people.”
Oyebanji added, “What I can only say for now is that God helping me, I shall make you and the entire party proud again. We have been able to position the party as a darling of the people and I know that has always been your desire. And I am happy, no single person has left our party for another party. Instead we have been receiving people from other political parties who are fascinated by what we are doing.”
He highlighted the unity within the APC under his leadership, noting that no member had defected to other parties while new members from opposition parties continued to join.
Party leaders across Ekiti’s three senatorial districts praised Oyebanji’s administration for redefining governance and service delivery in the state.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Acting State Chairman, Mr. Sola Elesin; Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; and other leaders, council chairmen, and party officials.
The meeting concluded with enthusiastic support for Oyebanji’s second term bid, as the APC gears up for Ekiti 2026.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
