Fayose Backs Tinubu And Oyebanji For Second Term, Reaffirms Loyalty To PDP.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second terms in office, while firmly stating he will never join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at a political rally in Ado-Ekiti on 28 July 2025, Fayose, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised the leadership of both Tinubu and Oyebanji, citing their commitment to progress as the basis for his support.
Fayose’s endorsement came during an APC event at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where he was seen wearing a PDP-branded cap, a symbolic gesture underscoring his commitment to his party despite his support for APC leaders. He described the gathering, attended by former governors, state leaders, and National Assembly members, as a historic show of unity in Ekiti politics. “I hereby endorse, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term. I also endorse our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term,” Fayose declared, emphasising that his support was driven by performance rather than party loyalty.
The former governor lauded Oyebanji’s humility and developmental achievements in Ekiti, noting that the governor’s inclusive leadership had earned bipartisan respect. He also commended Tinubu’s understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape, predicting a strong chance of re-election in 2027. However, Fayose was unequivocal about his political allegiance, stating, “I am not a member of the APC, and I will never be. My support is for good governance, not party politics.”
Reflecting on his own tenure, Fayose boasted of his electoral success, having won all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti during past elections. He challenged Oyebanji to match this feat in the upcoming 2026 governorship election, adding a competitive edge to his endorsement. “When we get to the field, we will contest,” he said, hinting at a spirited electoral battle despite his support.
Fayose also addressed recent defections from the PDP to the APC, congratulating those who had switched sides while humorously distancing himself from such moves. “I congratulate all the decampees; they should continue decamping. It’s a good thing as long as this governor returns for a second term. But me, I’m going nowhere,” he quipped, reinforcing his commitment to the PDP despite its internal challenges.
The endorsement has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising Fayose’s statesmanship and others questioning his motives amid the PDP’s ongoing struggles. Critics within the PDP, including Ekiti party leaders, have labelled his actions as disloyal, accusing him of undermining the party’s prospects. Nevertheless, Fayose dismissed such claims, asserting that his support for Tinubu and Oyebanji was rooted in a desire for national and state progress.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, Fayose’s endorsement highlights the complex interplay of personal respect, regional unity, and political strategy in Ekiti and beyond. His backing of Tinubu and Oyebanji, while remaining a PDP stalwart, underscores a pragmatic approach to governance that prioritises results over rigid party line.
