Ado-Ekiti: In a show of political unity rarely seen in Ekiti State, prominent figures from across party lines—including former Governor Ayo Fayose—have rallied behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, signalling strong momentum toward their reelection campaigns.
Speaking at the endorsement rally, former Governor Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) promised to work for the resounding victory of Tinubu and Oyebanji.
Fayose, who wore a PDP cap, vowed not to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) but would work for the second-term victories of Tinubu and Oyebanji, because of their performance.
The endorsement rally, held at the 14,000-capacity Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, was attended by artisans, civil servants, unions, and various associations.
The endorsement was also attended by faithful of the ruling APC and scores of residents with different political affiliations.
Among the opposition party leaders at the event were former Governor Ayo Fayose of the PDP, his former deputy and one-time Senate Minority Leader, Abiodun Olujimi, and former Governor Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as well as Chief Obafemi Adewale, SAN, of the PDP.
On the occasion, the duo of Olujimi and Adewale, along with their followers, announced their defection to the APC.
On the list of APC chieftains were: Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State; former Governor Niyi Adebayo; all serving and retired Senators and Representatives from Ekiti.
Others present were Dayo Adeyeye, Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority, and Mr Oyetunji Ojo, Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
In his welcome address, the chairman of the Statewide Endorsement Committee, Chief Abiodun Aluko, stated that the event was a confirmation of the collective will of the Ekiti people, following months of similar endorsements at the senatorial, local, and ward levels.
According to him, the endorsement rally is also to appreciate the good works of both Tinubu and Oyebanji.
Aluko, a former deputy governor, said that with the public endorsement, Tinubu’s and Oyebanji’s second terms were not negotiable.
Highlights of the event include the motion moved by the Senate leader for the endorsement of Tinubu’s second term, seconded by Femi Bamisile, member representing Emure/Gbonyin/Ekiti East Federal Constituency.
Another motion for the second term of Oyebanji was moved by Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and seconded by his deputy, Bolaji Akinyemi.
Addressing the rally, Senator Bashir Ajibola, APC National Secretary, who received the decampees, promised that the party leadership would work to attract more Nigerians to the party.
He promised that the party would give equal rights to leaders who had newly joined the party.
In his goodwill message, Bamidele described the endorsement as a payback time on the achievements of Tinubu and Oyebanji.
He advised Ekiti people not to be deceived by the antics of enemies, especially the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. “ADC is a wrong choice in politics,” Bamidele said.