In a rare show of political unity, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly endorsed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti Governor Abayomi Oyebanji for second terms in office. The dual endorsement, announced Monday during a campaign rally in Ado Ekiti, marks a historic moment in the state’s politics, according to Fayose, who described it as the first instance of unanimous support for an incumbent governor by all former state leaders.
Speaking to supporters at the event, Fayose—a prominent opposition figure and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—emphasized the significance of cross-party alignment. “I hereby endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term,” he declared, before extending his support to Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, alluding to a broader consensus among local leaders. “This gathering is unique because, for the first time, former governors, past leaders, and National Assembly members have unanimously endorsed a governor in Ekiti,” he added.
The endorsement signals shifting dynamics in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the southwestern region, where Tinubu, a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has sought to consolidate support amid national economic challenges. Governor Oyebanji, also of the APC, has prioritized infrastructure and education since taking office in 2022, policies that appear to have garnered bipartisan backing.
Analysts note that Fayose’s stance—despite his PDP affiliation—highlights Tinubu’s enduring influence and efforts to bridge political divides ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ekiti, though a relatively small state, has historically been a bellwether for political trends in Nigeria’s southwest. The public backing of a sitting governor by predecessors also underscores a departure from the region’s history of contentious transitions.
While Fayose did not elaborate on specific reasons for the endorsements, his remarks emphasized unity and continuity. The event drew a mix of APC members and opposition figures, suggesting a strategic alignment ahead of future electoral contests. Tinubu, who assumed Nigeria’s presidency in 2023 after a contentious election, has faced scrutiny over economic reforms and security policies, making endorsements from high-profile figures like Fayose politically consequential.
As campaigns intensify, the focus now turns to how such alliances might shape voter sentiment in Ekiti and beyond. For Oyebanji, the unified backing could strengthen his bid to advance development projects, while Tinubu’s team may leverage the support to counter criticism of his administration’s policies. The rally, attended by local dignitaries and residents, concluded with calls for sustained collaboration to address regional and national challenges.
