By Rotimi Ojomoyela
Ado-Ekiti — Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid, describing the governor as a unifying leader whose performance has made him the clear favourite ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Fayose, who spoke on Wednesday during a political programme aired on radio stations across Ekiti State, also predicted a decisive victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and the opposition’s inability to forge a united front.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said he would soon embark on meetings across Ekiti’s three senatorial districts to mobilise support for Oyebanji, whom he credited with fostering unity among political leaders and advancing the state’s development.
Explaining why he chose to support the governor despite belonging to the opposition, Fayose pointed to projects such as the Ekiti International Cargo Airport and the proposed flyover in Ado-Ekiti, which he said would help ease traffic congestion. He also praised Oyebanji’s humility and efforts to reconcile political stakeholders, including former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Dismissing claims that he was being sponsored by the state government, Fayose insisted that his support was based solely on the governor’s performance.
“Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation. We were Ekitis before any political party. If you believe in me and believe I represent your interest, come out on June 20 and vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to complete his second term. He is a gentleman who has performed very well,” Fayose said.
“I remain a member of the PDP. Whether we support him or not, Oyebanji will win, and the APC will be the greatest beneficiary. I have built an image in this state and have supporters who should vote for this governor.”
Fayose also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu.
“As I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I am also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have been his admirer for a long time. He remains one of the most influential leaders in the Yoruba race. All lovers of Yoruba should support this president,” he said.
The former governor expressed confidence that Oyebanji would win the governorship election by a wide margin, arguing that the governor’s achievements and leadership style had earned him broad acceptance across the state.
According to him, Ekiti has witnessed unprecedented political harmony under Oyebanji, bringing together leaders who were previously divided by political differences.
On the 2027 presidential election, Fayose maintained that Tinubu would secure re-election because of his handling of inherited economic and security challenges.
He attributed the opposition’s difficulties to internal divisions among key figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Fayose argued that the opposition’s inability to build a united coalition had strengthened the ruling APC’s prospects ahead of the next general election.
He also criticised what he described as irregularities in opposition party primaries, warning that unresolved disputes could weaken their electoral chances.
Speaking on infrastructure development, Fayose cited ongoing work on the Ibadan-Ilesa-Akure highway as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to development.
“If an election is conducted today, President Tinubu will win by a wide margin. He has done well, regardless of what is being said on social media,” he said.
On insecurity, particularly the recent kidnappings in Oyo State, Fayose defended his criticism of Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting that state governors, as chief security officers of their states, must take proactive measures in addressing security challenges.
He condemned the rising cases of kidnapping and killings across the country and called for stronger measures to tackle the menace.
Fayose urged the Federal Government to establish special courts for kidnapping cases and ensure that anti-kidnapping laws carry severe penalties to deter offenders.
“I want to suggest that the Federal Government establish a special court to try suspected kidnappers because the pain and suffering Nigerians are experiencing are becoming too much. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
He also stressed the need for greater cooperation among all levels of government and security agencies to address insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.
