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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ahead of the October 27 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ekiti State, the Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, and the former Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have called on members of the party to embrace peace and unity, as the party prepares for its primary election.
The duo made the remarks during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the weekend in Iyin-Ekiti, at the country home of Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, the first democratic Governor of Ekiti State.
The meeting had in attendance two former Governors of the state, Chief Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, as well as other members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders in the party.
Oyebanji said, “The October 27 primary election is the foundation for the June 20, 2026, election, and the 2026 election is the foundation for 2027 presidential election.
“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.
“We are one big family and we should see ourselves as one. Let everyone pursue his or her aspirations without any form of molestations. We will all work together for victory in the general election.”
Fayemi, on his part, commended APC members in the state for their massive support for Governor Oyebanji and charged them to ensure his victory at both party primary and the main election.
He declared 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.
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He urged party members on massive mobilisation at their various units and wards, emphasising that politics takes place at the units and wards, not online.
“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.”
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke on behalf of federal lawmakers representing Ekiti State at the National Assembly, 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.
The leaders and stakeholders, while reaffirming their endorsement of the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second term in office, stressed the need for the continuation of the good works of both President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti.
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 seconded by the Chief Whip, Bose Olowookere representing Efon Constituency. Both motions were ratified through a loud voice vote.
The Chairman of APC in the state, Barr. 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.
Barr. Elesin commended 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 at the governorship.
