Former Ekiti State governors Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni, together with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election.
The endorsement rally, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, drew a wide cross-section of Ekiti residents, including political leaders, union executives, market women, artisans and traditional rulers. Noticeably absent was former governor Kayode Fayemi, who neither attended nor sent a delegate.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion backing President Tinubu, seconded by Representative Femi Bamisile, while the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, was proposed by Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, and seconded by Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Bolaji Egbeyemi.
Both motions were adopted through thunderous voice votes. A formal letter conveying the presidential endorsement was presented to APC National Secretary Dr Ajibola Basiru.
The gathering also signalled a significant realignment, with PDP leaders Senator Biodun Olujimi and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Obafemi Adewale defecting to the APC. They were joined by Hon Babatunde Omotola, an SDP lawmaker in the Ekiti State Assembly.