Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has charged the women not to be swayed by swirling rumour being spread by politicians that they will hijack the All Progressives Congress’ governorship ticket, saying only a dependable and loyal party man like Governor Biodun Oyebanji should be supported for the 2026 race.
Expressing confidence that the APC women will reward loyalty over fairweather politics being played by some people, Mrs Afuye said no woman will be alienated in the scheme of things, especially from the anti-poverty policies of government that are predominantly woven around women empowerment.
Mrs Afuye spoke on Wednesday, at separate locations in Ikole, Iye, Oye and Otun Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikole, Oye , Ilejemeje and Moba local governments, during a mobilisation tour to shore up support for Governor Oyebanji’s second term bid.
Mrs Afuye while addressing the well -attended meeting by APC women across the wards in the four councils, urged women, who haven’t benefited from the empowerment programmes of the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji not to be deterred, but be hopeful that they will savour the dividends of democracy soon.
She explained that the present administration carefully designed some of its programmes and policies to bring about shared prosperity and even development, especially for the womenfolk through gender balancing and sensitivity.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the need for the APC women to be steadfast in their support for Governor Oyebanji during and after the party’s primary and assured them that the current administration would continue to prioritize their welfare.
“Women should be wary of all the fairweather political office seekers, who are only planning to swindle them during the party’s primaries. Such politicians were just after their personal gains.
“Stand by Governor Oyebanji who has been working to put Ekiti on a world map in terms of stable economy, industrialization, quality Education, health and shared prosperity. He has been a consistent progressive since 1999.
“I know that you will stand by him. You won’t reject him”, she said.
Mrs Afuye who pointed out that the present government gave more political positions to women when compared to previous administrations in Ekiti, said the governor was stoutly committed and willing to give more elective and appointive positions to women in his second term in office.
Corroborating the Deputy Governor’s submissions, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, stressed the imperative of women supporting Governor Oyebanji during the party’s primary to sustain the good works across the sector of economy.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe challenged women to compete favourably with men in politics and bring about meaningful development.
Chief Awe also urged them to do everything possible to resist those who were hell belt to cause trouble among part members and work for the progress of Ekiti and Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming party primary.
in her remarks, the APC State Women Leader, Chief Caroline Eegunlusi, expressed confidence in the ability of apc women to make meaningful changes and enthroned people of impeccable characters to represent the party both at the state, National and grassroots
Other speakers at the APC tour, including Chief Ronke Okusanya, urged women to work together and prevent all factors that could breed disunity among the party members