A former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has told the opposition candidates in the June 20 governorship poll in the state to forget winning the election.
He said Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys wider acceptability among the electorate to retain his seat for a second term.
Fayose also predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the opposition’s inability to coalesce as a serious issue that will undo their chances and give the ruling party a leverage to retain power till 2031.
While appearing on a political programme aired by nearly all radio stations operating in Ekiti State, the former governor, who revealed that he would soon kick off a meeting with Ekiti electorate across the three senatorial districts, said the political step was conceptualised to further reinforce support for the governor to triumph in a landslide fashion at the election.
Speaking about what endeared Governor Oyebanji to him, despite being the leader of opposition, Fayose said he was elated about the speedy completion of the Ekiti State international cargo airport by the governor and for initiating process for the building of a new flyover in the state capital to reduce traffic gridlock, among other landmark projects that had lifted the state to a higher pedestal.
Fayose saluted Oyebanji for his humility and for pursuing unity with vigour, especially among the political gladiators and leaders, showering encomiums on former Governor Kayode Fayemi for bringing the governor to superintend over the state at this crucial time.
On the swirling rumour that he was being bankrolled by the state government to undermine the opposition, the former governor posited that he had governed the state twice and needed no pecuniary influence to back the governor. He added that he was doing so in good conscience and based on past experiences.
“Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation. We were first Ekitis before any political party. If you believe in me and you believe that I represent your interest, come out on June 20 and vote for the serving governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji to complete his second term. He is a gentleman and someone who has performed very well.
“I am a member of the PDP and I remain so. We all knew the party we belong to. Whether we support him or not, Oyebanji will win and APC will be the greatest beneficiary. I have built image in this state and I have my cult-like supporters. They should all vote for this governor.
“As I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I am also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am not doing this for fun. I have been his fan for a long time. He remains the most prominent and most beneficial leader in the Yoruba race. All lovers of Yoruba should support this president.
“I am speaking from experience. I had defeated two incumbent governors at different elections. In this coming Ekiti governorship election, the runner up to Governor Oyebanji won’t score up to 40,000 votes. I am a member of the PDP, I am not here to destroy our candidate. That is not my mission here. But I don’t want to be a leader that will be called white black or blue. Governor Oyebanji has done well.’’