Fayose Endorses Oyebanji for Re‑Election and Foresees Tinubu’s 2027 Victory

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Ado‑Ekiti — Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has announced his support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, calling the governor a unifying figure whose record makes him the clear favourite ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Speaking on Wednesday during a political programme broadcast across Ekiti State radio stations, Fayose also forecasted a decisive victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and the opposition’s failure to build a united front.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said he would soon travel to Ekiti’s three senatorial districts to rally support for Oyebanji, whom he credited with fostering unity among political leaders and advancing the state’s development.

Fayose explained why he chose to back the governor despite belonging to the opposition, pointing to projects such as the Ekiti International Cargo Airport and a proposed flyover in Ado‑Ekiti that he said would ease traffic congestion. He also praised Oyebanji’s humility and his efforts to reconcile political stakeholders, including former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Rejecting claims that his support was sponsored by the state government, Fayose insisted that it 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.

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