The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was noticeably absent at a major political endorsement rally held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. The event, which attracted political leaders from across the state and beyond, was organised to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, for a second term in office. Despite the large turnout and strong cross-party representation, Fayemi’s absence raised eyebrows and fueled speculations regarding his political intentions.
According to newsmen, rumours have been circulating that the former governor may be planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a wider political coalition. This has further intensified the conversation around his absence at the event, which many viewed as a key moment in Ekiti’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, alongside prominent figures such as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, openly criticised the ADC coalition in Ekiti. They described its leaders as individuals who threaten unity and stability in the state. Speaking at the rally held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Senator Bamidele said the endorsement was a form of political appreciation for the leadership of Tinubu and Oyebanji. He noted that President Tinubu had taken bold steps to revive the country’s economy, which should be acknowledged and rewarded.
Bamidele also praised Governor Oyebanji and his deputy for their humility and performance in office, saying their leadership exemplifies what it means to govern with the people in mind. He urged residents to be wary of the ADC, which he accused of pursuing selfish political goals. According to him, anyone encouraging others to join ADC is trying to derail their political future and divide the Yoruba people. He emphasized that Ekiti remains a progressive state and highlighted that this was the first endorsement rally in the Southwest for President Tinubu.
He further referenced former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s presence and support as a signal of widespread agreement, even among opposition figures. “If Fayose is supporting Tinubu and Oyebanji for another term, who in the opposition can say otherwise?” he asked. The endorsement rally saw massive attendance, with supporters drawn from all three senatorial districts of Ekiti State, as well as various unions, professional groups, and political associations. Participants wore their distinct regalia, filling the venue to capacity and creating an energetic atmosphere.
Among the notable attendees were former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, and Ayodele Fayose; former Deputy Governors Modupe Adelabu and Biodun Aluko; Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi; all six House of Representatives members from Ekiti; members of the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Stephen Aribasoye; and former Senators Olusola Adeyeye and Ayodele Arise. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended Tinubu for his reforms and expressed confidence in the APC’s continued dominance in Ekiti and the broader Southwest. He affirmed his support for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, encouraging residents to remain loyal to the party and reject distractions from other political platforms.
At the event, official letters of endorsement for Tinubu and Oyebanji were handed over to the APC National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola, who promised to submit them to the party’s national leadership. In his remarks, Ajibola described those advocating for the ADC as political betrayers who had benefitted from the APC and now sought to undermine its unity. He declared that APC remains the most credible and unifying political party for the Yoruba people.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude to Ekiti residents for their overwhelming show of support. He pledged not to disappoint them and praised President Tinubu for his transformative leadership, which he said had positively impacted the nation’s economy. He encouraged citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the elections and clarified that the endorsement rally was not aimed at discouraging other aspirants from running, but rather a celebration of achievements and support.
The event also marked the official defection of several notable individuals to the APC. Among them were Senator Biodun Olujimi, a former Senate Minority Leader; Barrister Obafemi Adewale; and Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, the lawmaker representing Ise-Orun in the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
