Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has called on residents to turn out massively for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential poll.
Fayose made the call in Ikere-Ekiti during a rally where former PDP House of Representatives candidate, Henrich Akomolafe, defected to the All Progressives Congress alongside hundreds of supporters.
He spoke at the event with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and voiced confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid. Fayose said Tinubu’s performance and popularity give him an edge. He added that he has no plans to join the APC but will work to secure Oyebanji’s second term.
“With or without defections, President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji have earned the people’s trust,” Fayose said. “Ekiti people appreciate good leadership and will show it at the polls. The governor’s leadership will boost Tinubu’s votes in 2027. He is a unifier, and we stand with him.”
Oyebanji said political activities have remained low-key due to the fasting period observed by Muslims and Christians. He urged stakeholders to sustain peace and respect democratic principles.
The governor called for strong voter mobilisation, setting a target of at least 600,000 votes for Tinubu in Ekiti.
“Our votes must not fall below 600,000 if we want to prove our support for the president,” he said. “Residents should collect their PVCs and engage in house-to-house mobilisation.”
Oyebanji assured Akomolafe and his supporters of full integration into the APC. He stressed that the party values commitment, regardless of past affiliations.
“This is the first time I am formally receiving someone into the party in this manner as governor,” he added. “We are working towards over 600,000 votes to show our unity and loyalty.”
The rally signals a deepening alliance between former PDP figures and the APC in Ekiti ahead of the 2027 elections, highlighting ongoing political realignments in the state.
