Ayodele Fayose, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Ekiti State, announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid on Monday.
During an event hosted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Fayose also extended his endorsement to the state incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, for a second term in office.
Addressing the gathering, which he described as a unique assembly of former Ekiti governors, state and National Assembly leaders, Fayose explicitly stated, “I want to join all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly Ekiti leaders and followers, to endorse publicly without reservation, the President and Commander of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for a second term and to equally endorse our Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term.”
READ ALSO: Fayose endorses Tinubu, Oyebanji for second terms, retains PDP membership
Despite his public backing for these APC leaders, Fayose denied any intention of defecting from the PDP.
He harked back to his own electoral history, recalling his unprecedented victory in 2014 where he swept all 16 local government areas of the state.
He then challenged future contenders, noting, “Who will for the first time again become the record holder to win in all 16 local governments of Ekiti and win in all the 177 wards of Ekiti? That is taken for granted. But when we get to the field, we will contest and see each other.”
Fayose urged all Ekiti residents to set aside differences and collectively rally support for Oyebanji in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
READ ALSO: Fayose defends Tinubu’s economic reforms, cautions against expecting overnight miracles
Interestingly, while endorsing the APC’s candidates, the former governor also took a swipe at the ruling party, suggesting that it falls short when compared to the opposition PDP, particularly concerning public welfare.
Nevertheless, he reiterated his commitment to working for the current governor, even as he maintained his allegiance to the PDP.
