Mass defection hits PDP as political juggernauts unite behind President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 and 2026 elections, respectively.
In what has been described as an unprecedented political convergence in Ekiti State, key stakeholders, party chieftains, and non-partisan groups on Monday stormed the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election in the 2026 governorship race.
The event marked a significant political milestone as leaders from across party lines, including former governors, federal and state legislators, and party elders, declared unwavering support for the APC duo, positioning Ekiti as a vanguard of continuity in the region.
Among the high-profile figures in attendance were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Ekiti State Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, and Ayodele Fayose, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. They heaped praise on Tinubu’s reform agenda and Oyebanji’s governance style, calling for their mandates to be renewed.
The atmosphere was further electrified by a major political realignment as prominent opposition figures defected to the APC. Among them were former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, former Ekiti Attorney General Obafemi Adewale (SAN), and state lawmaker Hon. Babatunde Omolayo, along with their supporters. Senator Olujimi, speaking on behalf of the defectors, asserted that the re-election of Tinubu and Oyebanji was non-negotiable, declaring their joint second terms as a "sure path to greatness."
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele formally moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, which was seconded by Hon. Femi Bamisile of the House of Representatives. The Ekiti State House of Assembly followed suit for Governor Oyebanji, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye leading the charge, seconded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju. Both motions received unanimous acclamation from the thousands present.
Receiving the endorsement letters, APC National Chairman and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru commended the unity of purpose displayed, vowing to ensure a free and fair primary while affirming that the party would relay Ekiti’s position to the national leadership.
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, described the endorsement as deeply motivating and pledged to intensify efforts to deliver on the administration’s development agenda. He emphasized that the endorsement does not preclude others from contesting in line with constitutional rights, but said the overwhelming support underscores public trust in his leadership.
“We are fully committed to the Tinubu vision. Ekiti was the first state to deliver for him in 2023 and we’re determined to do even better in 2027,” Oyebanji declared. He noted that the state had undertaken reconstruction of key federal roads in solidarity with Tinubu’s development goals, including the 19km Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki axis.
President Tinubu, through Oyebanji, assured the people of improved living conditions and reforms targeted at long-term prosperity. The President was praised by speakers for his tough decisions and leadership sacrifices in navigating the country through economic reforms.
Governor Aiyedatiwa declared the Oyebanji-Tinubu combination the right ticket to transform Ekiti’s economy, urging overwhelming support in future primaries and elections. Similarly, former Governor Fayose lauded Oyebanji’s humility and urged voters to deliver a historic landslide victory across all 177 wards, promising to hand over his record-breaking electoral performance.
Echoing this sentiment, former Governors Segun Oni and Niyi Adebayo said the duo of Tinubu and Oyebanji represents Nigeria’s best hope for sustained growth and unity. They commended Oyebanji’s ability to unite political factions and deliver people-centered governance.
Senator Bamidele summed up the event by describing Tinubu and Oyebanji as leaders who have shown humility and commitment, making difficult but necessary choices for the benefit of both current and future generations.
With political momentum now firmly behind the APC leadership in Ekiti, the stage appears set for a high-stakes election season where continuity and unity may prove decisive.
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