Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has told opposition candidates in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll in the state to forget winning the election, saying Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys wider acceptability among the electorate to retain his seat for a second term.
On the 2027 presidential election, Fayose predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the opposition’s inability to coalesce as a serious issue that will undo their chances and give the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), a leverage to retain power till 2031.
Fayose spoke on Wednesday evening when he appeared on a political programme aired by nearly all radio stations operating in Ekiti State.
The former governor, who revealed that he will soon kick off a meeting with Ekiti State electorate across the three senatorial districts, said the political step was conceptualised to further reinforce support for the governor to be able to triumph in a landslide fashion in the governorship election.
Speaking about what endeared Oyebanji to him, despite being the leader of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose said he was elated about the speedy completion of the Ekiti State international cargo airport by the governor and for initiating the process for the building of a new flyover in the state capital to reduce traffic gridlock, among other landmark projects that had lifted the state to a higher pedestal.
He saluted Oyebanji for his humility and for pursuing unity with vigour, especially among the political gladiators and leaders, showering encomiums on former Governor Kayode Fayemi for bringing the governor to superintend over the state at this crucial time.
On the swirling rumour that he was being bankrolled by the state government to undermine the opposition, the former governor posited that he had governed the state twice and needed no pecuniary influence to back the governor.
He added that he was doing so in good conscience and based on past experiences.
Fayose said: “Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation.
“We were first Ekitis before any political party.
“If you believe in me and you believe that I represent your interest, come out on June 20 and vote for the serving governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, to complete his second term.
“He is a gentleman and someone who has performed very well.
“I am a member of the PDP and I remain so.
“We all know the party we belong to.
“Whether we support him or not, Oyebanji will win and APC will be the greatest beneficiary.
“I have built image in this state and I have my cult-like supporters.
“They should all vote for this governor.
“As I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I am also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am not doing this for fun.
