By Law Ibitoye
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede,
and Governor Biodun Oyebanji have closed ranks across party lines, with Oluyede and his supporters declaring their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
Oluyede, who is the convener of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), made the declaration at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday,where thousands of his supporters gathered in support of Tinubu. Speaking at the event, Oluyede commended Oyebanji for his sportsmanship and commitment to peace, particularly during the recent governorship election. He said he was pleased that no life was lost during the election, stressing that political differences should not override the collective interest of Ekiti State.
Oluyede said he had discussed with both Oyebanji and Tinubu on the need for continued development in Ekiti, assuring that he would support initiatives aimed at advancing the state irrespective of political affiliation. He said the political alliance was aimed at supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid, declaring that stakeholders behind the initiative were targeting 900,000 votes for the President from Ekiti State in the 2027 election.
Oluyede, however, urged the Oyebanji administration not to take the PDP for granted, saying political competition would remain part of the democratic process. He also maintained that Ekiti South Senatorial District should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor of the state after Oyebanji’s tenure, noting that the region has qualified individuals capable of providing leadership.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji commended Oluyede for what he described as his love for Ekiti State and commitment to peace. He said the coming together of political actors after the governorship election demonstrated the unity and shared interest of Ekiti people irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
Oyebanji appreciated Oluyede and his supporters for their decision to support Tinubu, describing the President’s re-election as important to Ekiti’s development. He attributed several federal road projects in the state, including the Ado-Ekiti–Ifaki, Itawure–Aramoko, Ado-Ekiti–Ijan and Ikere–Akure roads, to the Tinubu administration, putting their combined contract value at over ₦200 billion.
The governor urged Ekiti residents to participate actively in the 2027 presidential election, expressing support for the 900,000-vote target. He said the figure was achievable through effective mobilisation, particularly with political groups working together.
Oyebanji also called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work with PDP members and other political stakeholders ahead of the election, saying Ekiti should approach the 2027 poll with unity and a common interest in the continued development of the state.
At the event, Chief Mrs Adesoro from Oye Local Government said Dr Oluyede had directed members of her political structure to support Tinubu’s re-election and the Oyebanji administration.
Also, a party chieftain, Chief Anifowose Sunday, commended the cooperation between Oluyede and Oyebanji, describing it as significant to the mobilisation for Tinubu. He, however, urged the governor to reciprocate the support by running an inclusive administration as he prepares to commence his second term.
