Ex-Ekiti PDP Gov. Fayose Throws Weight Behind Tinubu, Oyebanji’s Re-election Bids

Mr. Ayodele Fayose, a former Governor of Ekiti State and a member of the opposition PDP, has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at an endorsement rally in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, July 28, Fayose declared his “unreserved” support for both the president’s and the state governor’s second-term bids, citing their performance as the basis for his endorsement.

“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 said.

The event, which brought together former governors, state leaders, and National Assembly members from Ekiti, was described by Fayose as a “unique gathering” and a reflection of political unity in the state.

“This unity is a model for all states in Nigeria,” he added.

Fayose said while he remains outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his support is performance-based, not tied to political affiliation.

“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 Gov. Oyebanji’s humility and leadership. He deserves another term,” the former governor said.

Fayose, who governed Ekiti State for two terms, also challenged Oyebanji to match his own electoral record, having won elections across all the 16 local government areas and 177 wards of the state.

“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 praised ex-Gov. Segun Oni, another ex-governor in attendance, for his role in fostering political unity and inclusiveness across party lines in the state.

Fayose also congratulated recent defectors from opposition parties into the APC, although he distanced himself from such moves.

“I congratulate all the decampees; they should continue decamping. It is a good thing as long as this governor returns for a second term. It does not matter how many decampees come over — except me. I am coming nowhere,” he said with a touch of sarcasm.

Persecondnews reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti state for Saturday, July 20, 2026.