In a significant display of political unity, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has mobilised supporters for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This development has brought Oluyede together with Governor Biodun Oyebanji at a political gathering in Ado-Ekiti. The event, organised under the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), was themed “20,000 Steps. One Hope. One Nigeria.”
The mobilisation effort, which saw supporters marching from Ajilosun to Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, was addressed by Oyebanji, Oluyede, and other political figures. During the event, Oluyede stated that OPARHA aims to mobilise support for Tinubu across Ekiti State ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The group has set an ambitious target of securing 90 per cent of the votes in Ekiti for the President. Oluyede described this goal as achievable through sustained grassroots mobilisation.
To achieve their target, Oluyede disclosed that OPARHA would extend its mobilisation efforts to the 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State. Supporters are expected to engage voters at the grassroots level, ensuring a broad base of support for Tinubu. This initiative also seeks to bring together people from different political backgrounds and strengthen the relationship between Ekiti State and the federal government.
Oluyede urged President Tinubu to sustain attention to the development needs of Ekiti State, emphasising that political support should be accompanied by continued federal intervention in the state. He highlighted the importance of federal support for infrastructure and other development projects in Ekiti. This call for sustained federal attention comes amid efforts by the Ekiti State Government to secure federal funding for various projects.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, speaking at the event, commended Oluyede for supporting Tinubu despite their different political affiliations. Oyebanji urged supporters of the President from both the APC and PDP to cooperate at the grassroots level. He emphasised that political differences should not prevent people from working together in the interest of Ekiti State.
Oyebanji noted that the unity displayed by Oluyede and his supporters is consistent with the aspirations of Ekiti State's founding fathers, who envisioned a united Ekiti. He highlighted the importance of Tinubu's re-election, citing federal interventions in infrastructure and other areas. Specifically, Oyebanji mentioned federal road projects in the state, including the Ado-Ekiti–Ifaki axis, which has received federal approval and funding.
The latest mobilisation effort by Oluyede and Oyebanji comes amid broader efforts by political actors in Ekiti to build support ahead of the 2027 presidential election. This development underscores the significance of Ekiti State in the upcoming election and the efforts of political leaders to secure federal support for the state's development projects.
Key points
- Oluyede targets 90 per cent of votes in Ekiti for Tinubu's re-election.
- OPARHA to mobilise support across 16 local government areas and 177 wards.
- Oyebanji emphasises unity and federal support for Ekiti State's development.
