A grand endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second terms took place at the Ekiti Kete Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, drawing a massive crowd of party loyalists, supporters, and residents. The event’s significance was amplified by the presence of prominent political figures, including former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, and surprisingly, Ayodele Fayose, a member of the opposition PDP. National and state assembly members, former federal lawmakers, and APC leaders from other states also attended, showcasing a broad base of support for the endorsements. Conspicuously absent was former Governor Kayode Fayemi, despite his presence at previous endorsement events for Governor Oyebanji.
The unexpected appearance of Fayose, a PDP stalwart, ignited controversy and drew accusations of anti-party activities from within his own party. PDP leaders in Ekiti State publicly threatened Fayose with expulsion, citing his endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebanji as a clear violation of party loyalty. This development underscored the complex political landscape in Ekiti State and highlighted the potential repercussions of crossing party lines, even for a figure as prominent as Fayose. The controversy surrounding his presence overshadowed, to some extent, the endorsements themselves, raising questions about the true motivations behind the political alliances on display.
Beyond the controversy, the event also served as a platform for prominent political figures to defect to the APC. Former Senate Minority Leader Biodun Olujimi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Obafemi Adewale, and Ekiti State House of Assembly member Babatunde Omotayo all publicly declared their allegiance to the APC, bolstering the party’s ranks and signaling a potential shift in the political balance within the state. The APC National Secretary, Dr. Bashiru Ajibola, welcomed the defectors, assuring them of equal rights and recognition within the party. This influx of new members underscored the APC’s growing influence and suggested a possible weakening of the opposition parties in Ekiti State.
The endorsements themselves were framed as a recognition of Tinubu and Oyebanji’s performance in office. Speakers at the rally praised their leadership and highlighted their achievements in various sectors. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized the significance of Ekiti being the first state in the Southwest to endorse Tinubu, while former Governor Oni lauded Oyebanji’s capacity to unite people. Fayose, despite his PDP affiliation, also endorsed both Tinubu and Oyebanji, citing the governor’s character and performance. These endorsements, coming from across the political spectrum, aimed to portray a unified front in support of Tinubu and Oyebanji and to project an image of broad-based popular support.
Governor Oyebanji accepted the endorsement for a second term, acknowledging the over 300 endorsements he had received from various groups and bodies. He expressed gratitude for the show of confidence and emphasized Tinubu’s support for Ekiti State. While calling for unity within the APC, Oyebanji also addressed the potential for future political realignments, leaving the door open for those currently in opposition to join the ruling party. This gesture, while seemingly conciliatory, also served to reinforce the APC’s dominant position in the state and suggested a confidence in their ability to attract further support.
Despite the fanfare and pronouncements of unity at the endorsement rally, opposition parties in Ekiti State, including the ADC and PDP, dismissed the event as a charade. They questioned Oyebanji’s performance in office, citing concerns about the condition of roads, the unfinished airport project, and the overall lack of tangible development in the state. They criticized the endorsements as mere sycophancy and questioned the motives of those involved, particularly Fayose. This dissenting perspective highlighted the deep political divisions within Ekiti State and cast doubt on the narrative of widespread support for Tinubu and Oyebanji presented at the rally.
