Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday stirred the political atmosphere in Ikere Ekiti as he openly declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has already secured victory in the coming elections, with or without fresh defections into the ruling party.
Fayose spoke at the defection event of Engr. Henrich Akomolafe in Ikere Ekiti, where political leaders and stakeholders gathered in a show of unity.
Addressing the Governor directly, Fayose said:
“Your Excellency, anybody who wants to join this party to genuinely support you is welcome. I will personally encourage them especially those who will not give you a hard time.
He, however, made it clear that the Governor’s political strength does not depend on defections.
“Without people decamping, the Governor has won his election. Without people decamping, the President also has won his presidential election. We are only respecting ourselves.”
Fayose stressed that the overriding interest of political actors in the state remains Ekiti’s peace and collective progress.
“In this state, what we all carry is Ekiti. Your Excellency, you are the one who will present a candidate, and whoever you bring out is the person we will all follow.”
He also had words of admiration and counsel for the Deputy Governor, urging her to remain supportive of the Governor’s leadership.
“To the Deputy Governor, I admire her greatly, and I advise her to continue to respect and support her Governor.”
Commending Oyebanji’s leadership style, Fayose attributed the prevailing calm in the state to the Governor’s character.
“Your Excellency has made governance easy for everyone through your good manners, your omoluabi character, and your respect for leadership. Anyone asking for more than this is looking for abuku (disgrace).”
Fayose disclosed that he reached out to former Governors before attending the event.
“Before attending this gathering, I called Adebayo, I called Fayemi, and I also called Segun Oni. They told me they were invited but could not make it. They asked me to represent them, and I am here in their names.”
He noted that Ekiti State is currently enjoying stability under Oyebanji’s watch.
“What we want and are enjoying in Ekiti is peace under your leadership. You have overcome distractions. The work you are doing now is strengthening the numbers for Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that the victory will be overwhelming. We are working for you.”
While congratulating the Governor, Fayose dismissed critics who question the administration’s performance.
“Your Excellency, we congratulate you and appreciate your leadership skills. There will always be critics who say the Governor is not doing well, that is their cry. The blind should not be the one to tell us there is no light.”
At a broader national level, he described Oyebanji as a model among his peers.
“At my level, I must boldly tell Nigerians that, without patronizing you, Your Excellency, you are an example to many Governors.”
He further declared that the political climate in Ekiti does not leave room for post-election complaints.
“At the end of the election, nobody should come out to talk about rigging, because there is no opposition here.”
Concluding his remarks with prayers, Fayose acknowledged the complexity of politics but expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to navigate it successfully.
“Finally, I pray that God guides you, Your Excellency. Politics is filled with different kinds of people, but with wisdom and God’s direction, you will continue to succeed.”
The event in Ikere Ekiti once again clearly showed the growing political alignment in the state, as stakeholders across divides continue to rally around Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.
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