Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Monday threw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, openly declaring his support despite being a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking during an All Progressives Congress (APC) event held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Fayose also endorsed the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, for another term in office.
“I want to join all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly Ekiti leaders and followers, to endorse publicly, without reservation, the President and Commander of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for a second term,” Fayose said.
“I also endorse our Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term.”
Fayose described the gathering as “historic,” noting the presence of former Ekiti governors, state leaders, and federal lawmakers. He called on residents across Ekiti to rally behind Oyebanji in the forthcoming governorship election.
Despite his public endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebanji, Fayose dismissed suggestions that he had defected from the PDP to join the APC.
“I haven’t joined the APC. I’m still in the PDP,” he clarified. “But I will support the governor and the president where necessary.”
Fayose also recalled his 2014 victory as governor, when he swept all 16 local government areas and all 177 wards of the state, saying such a feat remains unmatched.
“Who will again become the record holder to win all 16 local governments and 177 wards of Ekiti? That is taken for granted. But when we get to the field, we’ll contest and see each other,” he quipped.
Though he offered support for key APC figures, Fayose didn’t hold back in criticising the ruling party, stating that the APC cannot rival the PDP in delivering welfare and governance to Nigerians.
“I’ll support good people in office, regardless of party lines. But that doesn’t mean the APC can match the PDP when it comes to prioritising the people’s welfare,” he added.
Fayose’s statement has sparked fresh political conversation, as he continues to blur partisan lines with a pragmatic approach to leadership and loyalty.
