Guber poll: Oyebanji, Fayemi, Bamidele urge unity in Ekiti APC

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his immediate predecessor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele have called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to unite and avoid complacency ahead of the party’s governorship primary scheduled for October 27, 2025.

During an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at Iyin-Ekiti over the weekend—attended by former Governor Chief Adeniyi Adebayo—Oyebanji emphasised the importance of the upcoming primary for the party’s success in 2026 and beyond.

He urged party members, particularly those loyal to him, to embrace peace and show tolerance towards those who support the three other aspirants, highlighting that it is a democratic right for individuals to back any candidate of their choice.

“The October 27 primary election is the foundation for the June 20, 2026, election, just as the 2026 election is the foundation for 2027,” the governor said.

He continued, “By the grace of God and with your support, I intend to break the jinx that no governor has served two consecutive terms in Ekiti. One of the major causes of our underdevelopment is a lack of continuity.

“Let us not fight ourselves. October 27 will come, and October 28 will also come, when we will need everybody.

“Those who are not with us today, let’s tolerate them. Dissent is a democratic right in a political party. After the primary, a bigger battle lies ahead. Those who are outside today, when they come back, we must create space for them. It is better to have them within the party than to lose them to the opposition parties.”

In his remarks, Fayemi cautioned members against assuming that Oyebanji’s victory is guaranteed with putting in the expected efforts, especially at the grassroots, saying, “ elections are not won on Twitter and WhatsApp.”

Fayemi revealed that he remained a bonafide member of APC, assuring of his unalloyed commitment to the progress of the party, adding that he will do everything within his power to ensure the success of the party and Governor Oyebanji in the State.”

The former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum said, “October 27 is around the corner, and the work we have to do between now and then should not be taken lightly. Politics is happening at the wards and units, not online. We must go back to our wards, mobilise, and ensure that our words match our votes.

“If you are a genuine APC member, even if you don’t like Governor Oyebanji, you cannot wish for the party to lose the next election. Let Oyebanji win first before voicing your grievances.”

Speaking on behalf of members of the National Assembly, the Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele, assured Governor Oyebanji of the support of members and promised that they will all mobilise effectively to return him as governor for a second term.

He called on party members in the state to eschew acrimony and crisis ahead of the primaries, saying that only through unity can members deliver victory for the governor during the primaries.

The motion for the reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s candidacy was moved by the Senate Leader and seconded by a member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 at the House of Representatives, Hon. 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 second by the Chief Whip, Bose Olowookere representing Efon constituency. Both motions were ratified through a loud voice vote.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE