Despite being a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has openly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fayose, who made the declaration at a political gathering in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, said his endorsement was based solely on performance and not party lines.
“I hereby endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term,” he said. “I also endorse our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term.”
Speaking in the presence of former governors, state political leaders, and National Assembly members, Fayose noted that his support for Oyebanji was inspired by the governor’s humility and inclusive style of governance.
“I am not a member of his party and I will never be,” Fayose clarified. “But I stand here to say I have seen the good work. I commend Governor Oyebanji’s humility and leadership. He deserves another term.”
The PDP stalwart described the gathering as a symbol of unity in Ekiti politics, commending leaders across divides for putting the state’s interest first.
Recalling his own political legacy, Fayose noted that he once swept all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti during his time as governor. He challenged Oyebanji to surpass that record in the next election.
“Who will, for the first time again, become the record holder to win in all the 16 local governments and all the 177 wards of Ekiti? That is taken for granted. But when we get to the field, we will contest,” he quipped.
He also hailed the unity fostered by former Governor Segun Oni and congratulated recent defectors to the APC. “I congratulate all the decampees; they should continue decamping. It’s a good thing as long as this governor returns for a second term,” he added, joking, “It doesn’t matter how many decampees come over—except me. I’m coming nowhere.”
