Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and a prominent socio-cultural group in Ikole Local Government Area have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, declaring that his performance in office and political strength leave no doubt about his chances in the 2026 governorship election.

Fayose, in a statement on Thursday, said he owed nobody an apology for openly supporting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election and the 2027 presidential ambition of President Bola Tinubu, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former governor said Oyebanji’s submission of the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Wednesday was a “clear show of political strength,” adding that it signalled that there was “no vacancy” in the Ekiti State Government House until 2030.

“With the array of political bigwigs that accompanied the governor to submit his party nomination form in Abuja, it should now be clear to those still hanging on false hopes that there will be no vacancy in the Ekiti Government House until 2030,” Fayose stated.

He added that Oyebanji, by the grace of God, would surpass his record of winning all 16 local government areas in the state by sweeping all 177 wards in the coming election. Fayose urged the governor to remain focused on delivering good governance and dividends of democracy, describing critics as “mere storm in a teacup.”

Meanwhile, the Ako Indigenous Resolute Club of Oke Ako, a respected socio-cultural group in Ikole Local Government Area, has also endorsed Oyebanji for a second term, citing his “giant strides” in agriculture, infrastructure, and security.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Olaiya Kehinde, and Secretary, Mr. Abayomi Adeleye, the group said Oyebanji had demonstrated uncommon capacity to transform Ekiti within his first three years.

“In our community in Oke Ako and its environs, Oyebanji’s Midas touch has revolutionised agriculture. Access roads linking Oke Ako with Iyemero and Igbokoko Farm Settlement have been constructed, while the Aiyedun-Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele Road is undergoing rehabilitation,” the forum stated.

It added that over 10,000 hectares of land were allocated to major investors for large-scale farming, employing hundreds of youths under the state’s “Bring Back Youths to Agriculture” initiative, with many local farmers handsomely compensated for their land.

The group also praised the governor for restoring peace and security to Oke Ako, which was once a haven for kidnappers and criminals.

“We are all living witnesses to the untiring efforts of the governor to ensure peace in our community. The people of Oke Ako can now live and operate their businesses in peace due largely to his strategies,” the forum added.

Both Fayose and the Oke Ako community urged Ekiti people to support Oyebanji’s re-election so he could consolidate on his developmental projects and complete his programmes in a second term. (PUNCH)