President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has secured the resounding backing of Ekiti State for re-election in 2027.
In a parallel show of solidarity, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s ambition for a second term in office also received a ringing endorsement, affirming a united front.
They received the seals of approval during a massive rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday.
It was attended by all previous governors of the state – Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni – except the immediate past helmsman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
All the former governors okayed President Tinubu and Oyebanji to continue in their positions. The Ekiti State Governorship election is due to hold on July 20, 2026.
The huge turnout and the bipartisan attendance made the rally unique.
Fayose is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – he even wore a fez cap with PDP inscription.
Oni, a former PDP member, last contested for governor on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Neighbouring Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, House members, and former deputy governor and one-time Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, graced the rally.
As early as 7 am, party faithful, political leaders, labour union leaders, market women, artisans, traditional rulers and other stakeholders started converging on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion venue.
A motion for President Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by Senator Bamidele and seconded by the federal lawmaker from Ekiti East, Emure and Gboyin Constituency, Femi Bamisile.
The endorsement of Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, was moved by Speaker Aribasoye and seconded by his deputy, Bolaji Egbeyemi.
Both motions were unanimously adopted by the crowd through thunderous voice votes.
Thereafter, a letter communicating the president’s endorsement was presented to Dr. Basiru for onward delivery. The APC enlarged its coast with the defection of Senator Olujimi and Obafemi Adewale (SAN), and a state lawmaker from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Babatunde Omotola
Fayose declared his unflinching support for the re-election of the President and the governor.
He described the event as a watershed in the political history of Ekiti, noting the significance of collective endorsement by former governors, state leaders, and National Assembly members from Ekiti Fayose said their presence was a “remarkable show of unity and a sign of political maturity”, describing the cohesion among ex-Ekiti governors as a model for all states.
Although he reiterated that he would not join the APC, Fayose explained that his support for President Tinubu and Oyebanji was based on their performance as well as their character.
He said: “I am not a member of his party and I will never be, but I stand here to say I have seen the good work.
“I must commend Governor Oyebanji’s humility and his rare leadership style. He deserves another term.
“I hereby endorse, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term. I also endorse our governor, Oyebanji and his deputy for a second term.”
