Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed his strong support for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing his leadership as commendable and deserving of continuity. Fayemi, speaking at an end-of-year gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders across the 16 local governments in his Isan Ekiti hometown, emphasized the importance of supporting the governor for a second term in office.
While endorsing Oyebanji’s re-election, Fayemi made it clear that his endorsement should not prevent other aspirants from contesting the party’s governorship ticket. He stated, “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.”
Fayemi further noted that he and his family were fully behind Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, recognizing the governor as an “Omoluabi” who has performed admirably over the past two years. He stressed the need for a united effort to ensure the continuity of the good governance initiated by Oyebanji, stating, “We have all agreed that our governor has performed exceedingly well, and we are confident that if we support him, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. The best thing to do is to rally support for him so he can continue the good governance till 2030.”
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expected to announce the dates for the Ekiti gubernatorial election in April 2024, Fayemi urged the party leaders to start preparations in their various wards and local government areas to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Fayemi, who himself contested for governorship in 2007 and 2018 against numerous aspirants, reiterated his commitment to democratic processes, stating, “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 sufficiently capable should go ahead.”
The former governor’s endorsement was met with enthusiastic applause from the over 5,000 party leaders present at the gathering.
In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to Fayemi and other APC leaders for their continued support. He acknowledged Fayemi as his “boss, mentor, and benefactor,” and assured the party of his dedication to not only meeting but exceeding their expectations. Reflecting on past commitments, Oyebanji recalled his pledge to make Fayemi proud when he was appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in 2018, and later when he was selected as the APC’s flagbearer in 2021.
“I believe I have been able to make you proud through the various programmes and policies that have brought joy to the people,” Oyebanji said, promising to continue the party’s success. He also highlighted the party’s growing popularity, noting that no members had left the APC for other political parties, and in fact, many individuals from other parties had joined the APC, impressed by the governor’s performance.
The event also featured speeches from APC leaders across the three senatorial districts, who lauded Governor Oyebanji for his outstanding governance and the transformative policies that have redefined service delivery in Ekiti State. Among those present were Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye, Acting State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Sola Elesin, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, and former office holders.
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