The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that he would throw his weight behind the incumbent, Biodun Oyebanji, despite the fact that any other person can show interest in the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The former governor made the declaration at a meeting/end of year get together of leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The event, which attracted APC leaders from the 16 local governments of the state, was held at Fayemi’s Isan Ekiti country home on Thursday.
He said: “I am a democrat, so I 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 declaration by Fayemi was greeted with thunderous applause from the over 5,000 party leaders in attendance at the meeting.
Responding to the endorsement, Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to Dr. 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.
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“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.
“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.”
Earlier, leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts as well as leaders of various local government chapters of the party had spoken glowingly of the excellent performance of Oyebanji’s administration, which they said had redefined governance and service delivery in the state.
Present at the end of year get together were the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Acting State Chairman of the party, Sola Elesin; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Chairman, Elders Caucus of the APC; members of the state assembly and state executive council; as well as council chairmen and chairmen of local government and senatorial chapters of the party; and former office holders.
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