Former Governor of Ekiti State and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Ayodele Fayose, has urged Ekiti residents to vote en masse for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Fayose made the appeal during a rally in Ikere-Ekiti, where former PDP House of Representatives candidate Henrich Akomolafe was received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with hundreds of his supporters.
Speaking at the event alongside Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Fayose expressed confidence in Tinubu’s victory, citing his performance and popularity. While he clarified that he has no intention of joining the APC, Fayose said he would mobilize support to ensure Oyebanji secures a second term as governor.
He stated, “With or without defections, President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji have won the trust of the people. Ekiti residents are not ungrateful, and we will repay them with electoral victories. Governor Oyebanji has made it easier for President Tinubu to gain higher votes in Ekiti in the 2027 elections. The governor is a unifier, and we are ready to support him fully.”
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, noted that electioneering activities had been modest due to ongoing fasting by Muslims and Christians. He urged all political actors to maintain peace and uphold democratic norms during the campaign.
He emphasized the need for voter mobilization, calling for at least 600,000 votes for Tinubu in Ekiti. “Our votes shouldn’t be less than 600,000 in the coming governorship election if we want to signal to President Tinubu that Ekiti is solidly behind him. All residents should ensure they obtain their PVCs and engage in house-to-house mobilization,” Oyebanji said.
The governor also reassured Akomolafe and his supporters of full inclusion in the APC, noting that the party values contributions regardless of prior political affiliations.
“This is the first time since I became governor that I will receive someone into the party in such a manner. We are aiming for over 600,000 votes to demonstrate our unity and commitment to President Tinubu,” Oyebanji added.
The rally underscores a growing alliance between former PDP stalwarts and the APC in Ekiti ahead of the 2027 elections, reflecting strategic political realignments in the state.
