Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede have traded words concerning the outcome of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Fayose urged the opposition candidates in the June 20 governorship poll in the state to forget winning the election, saying Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys wider acceptability among the electorate to retain his seat for a second term.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship Candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, faulted Fayose for endorsing Oyebanji, insisting that the governor’s performance does not justify such support.
While Fayose spoke yesterday, when appearing on a political programme aired by nearly all radio stations operating in Ekiti State, Oluyede spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti.
The former governor, who revealed that he would soon kick off a campaign across the three senatorial districts, said the political step was conceptualised to further reinforce support for the governor to be able to triumph in a landslide fashion in the governorship election.
Speaking about what endeared to Oyebanji, despite being the leader of opposition, Fayose said he was elated about the speedy completion of the Ekiti State international cargo airport by the governor and for initiating process for the building of a new flyover in the state capital to reduce traffic gridlock, among other landmark projects that had lifted the state to a higher pedestal.
On the rumour that he was being bankrolled by the state government to undermine the opposition, the former governor said that he had governed the state twice and needed no pecuniary influence to back the governor, saying he was doing so in good conscience and based on past experiences.
“Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation. We were first Ekitis before any political party. If you believe in me and you believe that I represent your interest, come out on June 20 and vote for the serving governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji to complete his second term. He is a gentleman and someone who has performed very well.
“I am a member of the PDP and I remain so. We all knew the party we belong to. Whether we support him or not, Oyebanji will win and APC will be the greatest beneficiary. I have built image in this state and I have my cult-like supporters. They should all vote for this governor.”
However, Oluyede dismissed suggestions that Fayose’s political weight would significantly influence the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.
While acknowledging Fayose’s right to support any candidate of his choice, the PDP chieftain maintained that the former governor had made the wrong political judgment by throwing his weight behind the incumbent administration.
According to him, endorsements should be based on measurable achievements and governance outcomes, arguing that the current administration has fallen short of expectations in critical areas, particularly security and infrastructure.
“I respect Fayose and his right to support whoever he wants. We have no personal issues. But if you ask me, he has made the wrong choice in supporting this government,” Oluyede said.
He argued that the benchmark for evaluating government performance should be much higher, adding that the endorsement raises questions about the standards being applied in assessing the administration.
“I am disappointed because it suggests that the threshold for endorsing a government has become very low. If you look at the realities on the ground, particularly in security and public service delivery, there is little basis for such an endorsement,” he stated.
Oluyede, however, ruled out any confrontation with the former governor over his political position, saying Fayose is entitled to his convictions just as others are entitled to theirs.
