The All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders and stakeholders in Ekiti State have reaffirmed their endorsement of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second term in office.
The leaders and stakeholders who met at the country home of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo in Iyin-Ekiti on Friday, stressed the need for the continuation of the good works of both President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti.
The meeting had in attendance two former governors of the state, Chief Niyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his deputy, Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye as well as other members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and other stakeholders in the party.
The motion for the reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s candidacy was moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by a member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 at the House of Representatives, Olusola Fatoba.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, also moved the motion for the reaffirmation of Governor Oyebanji’s endorsement and was seconded by the Chief Whip, Bose Olowookere representing Efon constituency. Both motions were ratified through a loud voice vote.
In their separate remarks at the meeting, which underscored a collective commitment and solidarity to further solidify the strength of the APC in the state, former Governors Niyi Adebayo, and Kayode Fayemi charged party members not to be complacent in the build up to next year’s governorship election. They stressed the need to carry everyone along towards ensuring decisive success at all subsequent elections in the state.
Dr Fayemi, who commended APC members in the State for their massive support for Governor Oyebanji, charged them to ensure his victory at both the party primary and the main election.
He told the excited crowd of leaders at the meeting that he remained a bonafide member of APC assuring of his unalloyed commitment to the progress of party. He added that he will do everything within his power to ensure the success of the party and Governor Oyebanji in the state.
The former Governor said Oyebanji has done well in the state, noting that the party does not envisage any problem during the coming primary election. He, however, called on every stakeholder to mobilize grassroots support for him to win the main election.
He urged the Governor and the party hierarchy in the state to ensure there is no derailment of the culture of continuity already on course and expressed optimism that Governor Oyebanji will break the jinx of one-term Governor and that his administration would be the first to transit from the same party line.
Speaking on behalf of members of the National Assembly, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele assured Governor Oyebanji of the support of members and promised that they will all mobilize effectively to return him as governor for a second term.
Expressing appreciation to the stakeholders and other party members, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to cohesion of all stakeholders, noting that he will continue to cement good relationships that will always make the party a bride for all through inclusivity and aggressive developmental strides of his administration.
The Governor, who noted that the Primary election of October 17 will be the foundation for 2026 governorship and 2027 presidential elections, expressed optimism that the jinx of single term tenure that has bedeviled the state will be shattered in order to bring about more decisive development in the state.
He called every member of the party to consider themselves one big family, urging that no member of the party be castigated or bullied by virtue of the aspirants they are supporting.
“ We are one big family and we should see ourselves as one. Let everyone pursue his or her aspirations without any form of molestation. We will all work together for victory in the general election.“ the Governor said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of APC in the state, Olusola Elesin disclosed that the meeting was aimed at reviewing the activities of the party towards the forthcoming primary election and to strengthen the unity of the party towards future elections.
He added that the forum is an organ of the party that takes decisions on vital issues that affect the party, commending Governor Oyebanji and other caucus leaders for supporting the party’s secretariat project, adding that the notable achievement of the governor is enough to boost the party’s performance in the governorship election.
