By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has closed ranks with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as both politicians pledged to work together for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Oluyede, who contested the governorship election against Oyebanji, met with the governor and formally informed him of his decision to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, in what is seen as a move towards political reconciliation and unity in the interest of Ekiti State.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode.
According to the statement, Oluyede briefed Governor Oyebanji during the meeting on his decision to work for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The statement said the meeting also provided an opportunity for the two politicians to discuss issues concerning the development of Ekiti State, particularly the governor’s second-term administration, which is scheduled to commence on October 16.
It added that the discussions centred on the progress of the state and the need for continued cooperation towards advancing the interests of Ekiti and its people.
Governor Oyebanji, according to the statement, expressed appreciation to Oluyede for what he described as his statesmanship and demonstrated commitment to the progress of Ekiti State and national development.
Oluyede had, shortly after the governorship election, which he lost to the incumbent governor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his decision to support President Tinubu’s re-election, citing the need to promote Ekiti and national development.
The PDP candidate subsequently visited the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he reiterated his commitment to the President’s 2027 re-election bid and discussed strategies for achieving the objective.
Oluyede’s latest meeting with Governor Oyebanji is therefore being viewed as a further step towards consolidating the political understanding between the two Ekiti leaders, despite their rivalry in the June 20 governorship election.
The development also signals a fresh phase of political cooperation in the state, with the two politicians expected to leverage their respective political networks and influence in support of the President ahead of the 2027 general election.