The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has withdrawn support for its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi and adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress for the Saturday gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.
NAIJAONPOINT reports that the decision came barely 48 hours to governorship polls in the state.
Announcing the decision at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the SDP State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Bamikole explained that the party carefully assessed all candidates in the election and concluded that the governor had demonstrated strong leadership and an unalloyed commitment to the state’s development.
He said, “On behalf of all members of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State, I formally and enthusiastically endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, in their bid for re-election in Saturday’s governorship election.
“This decision was not taken lightly. It followed broad consultations and a thorough evaluation of the political landscape as well as the performance of the various candidates seeking the mandate of the people.”
The SDP chairman disclosed that the party’s decision was further influenced by what he described as the inactivity of its candidate, whom he said failed to effectively engage party members or mount a visible campaign after emerging as the party’s flag bearer through a substitution process.
He noted that the party could not in good conscience continue to support a candidate who had failed to demonstrate the commitment and capacity required for such an important electoral contest.
Bamikole stated that Oyebanji’s stellar record in office convinced the party that continuity would serve the best interests of the Ekiti people.
He added that the governor had shown transparency, humility and responsiveness in the management of state affairs, adding that many of the ongoing developmental projects across the state deserved sufficient time to be completed and maximised for the benefit of residents.
“Continuity is very crucial. There are several projects and programmes currently being implemented by the Oyebanji administration that require sustained support to achieve their full impact. As a responsible political party, we believe the interests of Ekiti State should come before partisan considerations.
“As a party, we openly declare our support for our Omoluabi Governor, and we are committing our structure and supporters to deliver at least 25,000 votes for him in the election,” he stated.
The SDP chairman also used the occasion to raise concerns over an alleged invasion of the party secretariat by suspected hoodlums, claiming that some individuals stormed the premises on June 17 armed with dangerous weapons and carted away sensitive party materials.
He called on security agencies, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police overseeing the governorship election, to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
Bamikole, however, insisted that the development would not weaken the party’s structure or diminish its relevance in the state’s political landscape.
He noted that the SDP remained a formidable political force in Ekiti, recalling that the party secured over 84,000 votes and emerged as runner-up in the 2022 governorship election.
Bamikole said that the party’s strong grassroots presence and widespread acceptance across the state would significantly boost Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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