Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has publicly declared his backing for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, even though he remains a prominent figure within the opposition camp.
At a political event held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, Fayose offered an unambiguous endorsement of the incumbent leaders, attributing his support to their record in office rather than party loyalty.
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“I hereby endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term. I also endorse our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term,” Fayose announced.
The gathering, which attracted a number of influential political actors including former governors, lawmakers, and other stakeholders from Ekiti, was hailed by Fayose as a symbol of growing political cooperation in the state.”This unity is a model for all states in Nigeria,” he remarked.
Despite his position outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fayose maintained that his endorsement is strictly based on governance outcomes, not political membership.
“I am not a member of his party and I will never be, but I stand here to say I have seen the good work. I commend Governor Oyebanji’s humility and leadership. He deserves another term,” he stated.
Fayose, who previously led the state for two separate terms, issued a challenge to Governor Oyebanji to replicate the electoral success he once achieved by winning in all 16 local government areas and the 177 wards across Ekiti.
“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 said.
He also lauded former Governor Segun Oni, who was present at the event, for contributing to an atmosphere of political collaboration and inclusiveness beyond party boundaries.
In a lighthearted moment, Fayose acknowledged the wave of defections into the APC by some opposition members, though he made it clear he had no intention of following suit.
“I congratulate all the decampees; they should continue decamping. It’s a good thing as long as this governor returns for a second term. It doesn’t matter how many decampees come over — except me. I’m coming nowhere,” he added with a touch of sarcasm.
Given Fayose’s stature within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his open support for candidates from the ruling party is expected to stir political debate within Ekiti and at the national level as preparations for the next general election gradually intensify.
