All former governors of Ekiti State have unanimously reaffirmed their support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the forthcoming June 20 governorship poll as a referendum on his performance rather than a competitive contest.
The former governors—Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi—made this known on Tuesday at the official flag-off of Oyebanji’s re-election campaign in Ado Ekiti, where they cited his “demonstrated capacity” and “all-round development” of the state over the past three and a half years.
Branding the governor’s leadership as representative of what they termed the “Ekiti Agenda”, the former leaders urged voters to massively support Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, to ensure continuity of ongoing projects and policies.
The rally drew significant political heavyweights, including the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, alongside governors Uba Sani, Usman Ododo, Monday Okpebholo, Sheriff Oborevwori and Lucky Ayedatiwa, who attended in solidarity.
Also present were members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, led by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru.
In their separate remarks, the former governors agreed that Oyebanji had exceeded expectations in governance, particularly in fostering peace, unity and inclusive politics.
Former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who described himself as the “John the Baptist” of Oyebanji’s emergence in 2022, said the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him.
“I am happy that he has not disappointed me, he has not disappointed the state, the country and our great party. That is why we have all the governors and former governors here supporting him and asking the electorate to re-elect him.
“We know that this election has been won, but please, don’t take anything for granted, let us go home and campaign. This is going to be a campaign of issues, campaign of record, campaign of performance, it is not going to be campaign of recrimination and violence.”
Fayemi also recalled the resistance that trailed Oyebanji’s candidacy in 2022, noting that many of his former critics had now become staunch supporters due to his “capability and humility.”
In a striking show of bipartisan support, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of the People’s Democratic Party said he was setting aside opposition politics in the interest of the state.
“I am supposed to be the face of opposition in Ekiti State, but I have to do what I called Ekiti agenda. I am first Ekiti before becoming the governor. With the way this governor has united all of us together, I see him as representing Ekiti agenda and I have to support him.
“I will begin my opposition after he wins re-election. But for this coming election, we are standing and supporting him.”
Fayose, however, cautioned dissenting voices against actions capable of destabilising the state, urging adherence to democratic rules.
Also lending his voice, the first civilian governor of the state, Niyi Adebayo, expressed pride in Oyebanji’s leadership.
“Ekiti people, if your child is doing well, one can’t but be happy. Governor Oyebanji has done well. He has made all of us happy. Let us all come out on June 20 and cast our votes for him.
“We are happy with what we have seen in the last three and half years. Let this good performance continue.”
Similarly, former Governor Segun Oni said public opinion across the state favoured Oyebanji’s return, attributing this to his performance and humility.
“Just take a look at what all the speakers have said, this is: Governor Oyebanji must come back again. Let us go back home and mobilise in all our units, wards and local governments to realise this. It is a done deal. All Ekiti people are behind him.
“For the first time, let us elect a governor with a minimum of 500,000 votes in Ekiti. This has not happened before, but let us achieve it this time. God will be with us.”
In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji told supporters that his administration had fulfilled the social contract entered into with the people in 2022, while also acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We were here in 2022 to sign a contract with you. We thank God that we have been able to fulfil all these contracts. But all these were made possible because President Tinubu takes special interest in this state.
“In the 29 years of Ekiti creation, no President has been fair to Ekiti like President Tinubu. He reconstructed Ado-Akure road, Ado-Ifaki road and the notorious Ado-Aramoko road had been awarded for reconstruction among other projects.
“The way to repay him is to come out on June 20 and test the microphone by giving us here in Ekiti a minimum of 500,000 votes, so that the good jobs we are doing can continue.”
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
