Fayose endorses Oyebanji's re-election bid, forecasts Tinubu's triumph in 2027 presidential poll

Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, has thrown his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji's bid for re-election, praising the governor as a unifying leader who has made significant strides in the state, thereby making him the clear favourite ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

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Fayose made this declaration on Wednesday during a radio programme that aired across various stations in Ekiti State, where he also predicted a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing the administration's infrastructure projects and the opposition's inability to present a united front.

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The PDP chieftain announced plans to embark on a series of meetings across Ekiti's three senatorial districts to mobilise support for Oyebanji, whom he credited with fostering unity among political leaders and driving the state's development forward.

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Fayose specifically highlighted projects such as the Ekiti International Cargo Airport and the proposed flyover in Ado-Ekiti as examples of Oyebanji's achievements, which he believed would help alleviate traffic congestion in the state.

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He also commended Oyebanji's humility and efforts to reconcile political stakeholders, including former Governor Kayode Fayemi, and dismissed claims that his support was sponsored by the state government, insisting that it was based solely on the governor's performance.

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Fayose urged his supporters to put the interest of Ekiti State first, saying "Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation" and called on them to vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to complete his second term, describing him as "a gentleman who has performed very well".

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He reaffirmed his membership in the PDP, stating that his support for Oyebanji was not a reflection of his party affiliation, and expressed confidence that the governor would emerge victorious regardless of his endorsement.

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Fayose also reiterated his support for President Tinubu, describing him as "one of the most influential leaders in the Yoruba race" and urging all lovers of Yoruba to support the president.

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The former governor expressed confidence that Oyebanji would win the governorship election by a wide margin, citing the governor's achievements and leadership style, which he believed had earned him broad acceptance across the state.

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According to Fayose, Ekiti has witnessed unprecedented political harmony under Oyebanji, bringing together leaders who were previously divided by political differences, and he attributed the opposition's difficulties to internal divisions among key figures.

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Fayose argued that the opposition's inability to build a united coalition had strengthened the ruling APC's prospects ahead of the next general election, and he also criticised irregularities in opposition party primaries, warning that unresolved disputes could weaken their electoral chances.

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He cited ongoing work on the Ibadan-Ilesa-Akure highway as evidence of the Tinubu administration's commitment to development, saying "If an election is conducted today, President Tinubu will win by a wide margin, he has done well, regardless of what is being said on social media".

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Fayose defended his criticism of Governor Seyi Makinde over the recent kidnappings in Oyo State, insisting that state governors, as chief security officers of their states, must take proactive measures in addressing security challenges.

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He condemned the rising cases of kidnapping and killings across the country and called for stronger measures to tackle the menace, urging the Federal Government to establish special courts for kidnapping cases and ensure that anti-kidnapping laws carry severe penalties to deter offenders.

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Fayose stressed the need for greater cooperation among all levels of government and security agencies to address insecurity and protect lives and property across the country, saying "I want to suggest that the Federal Government establish a special court to try suspected kidnappers because the pain and suffering Nigerians are experiencing are becoming too much, justice delayed is justice denied".