Former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose backed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election. He also forecasted success for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential poll. Fayose attributed his position to the governor’s strong performance and deep divisions within the opposition.
Former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term bid during a public event in Ekiti State. Fayose, who remained a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, said he would mobilize voters for Oyebanji ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
He described Oyebanji as “a unifier” and “an Omoluabi governor.” Fayose added that the governor’s development efforts strengthened the All Progressives Congress in the state. “Governor Oyebanji has made it easier for President Tinubu to have higher votes in Ekiti in the 2027 elections,” he stated.
Fayose predicted that President Bola Tinubu would secure victory in 2027 with ease. He pointed to the fractured nature of the opposition as the main reason.
“Nobody is contesting against President Bola Tinubu in 2027,” Fayose said. He compared the situation to the 2023 election, where Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi split the opposition vote. “If the opposition coalition had remained together and were in one party against Tinubu, I would say Tinubu would get a run for his money,” he explained. “Tinubu will have his way with ease.”
Several former governors in Ekiti rallied behind Oyebanji. Fayose emphasized that party loyalty took second place to state development. He noted that Oyebanji’s governance record created unity across political lines.
Political observers in the state viewed Fayose’s endorsement as a significant boost for the incumbent governor. The move also signaled stronger prospects for Tinubu in the Southwest region during the next general elections.
