The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has declared his support for the second-term bid of his successor, Biodun Oyebanji.
Speaking during a meeting and end-of-year gathering with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the 16 local government areas of the state, Fayemi emphasised that the governor had performed exceptionally well and deserved full backing to secure a second term in office.
However, the former Minister of Solid Minerals clarified that his endorsement does not preclude other aspirants from contesting for the party’s governorship ticket.
“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 the 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,” Fayemi added.
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Responding to the endorsement, Governor Oyebanji appreciated the former governor and other party leaders.
He stated that he was deeply humbled by the public declaration made by Fayemi, whom he referred to as his “boss, mentor, and benefactor.”
He assured Fayemi and other APC leaders of his unwavering commitment to meeting their expectations and vowed not to disappoint them.
“When you made me SSG in 2018, I said I would do everything to make you proud. When in 2021 you told me of the party’s decision to have me as the flagbearer, I remember I also told you, I would 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,” Oyebanji said.
