Hold on to your hats, folks! The political temperature in Ekiti State just went up a notch. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi has dropped a bombshell, declaring that there will be no automatic return tickets for current members of the National and State Assemblies. It seems like everyone’s got to prove their worth now, and the stakes are high.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
- No automatic tickets for current National and State Assembly members.
- Performance in supporting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid is crucial.
- Fayemi officially endorses Governor Oyebanji for a second term.
- Those who left the party in 2022 are welcome back, but must ‘queue’.
- Anyone is free to contest in the 2026 governorship elections, according to Fayemi.
The Stakes are High
According to Fayemi, who claims he was speaking on behalf of himself and former Governor Niyi Adebayo, the support of federal and state lawmakers for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term bid will heavily influence whether or not they get another go. This isn’t a ‘sit back and relax’ scenario. Lawmakers need to hit the ground running and show their commitment.
Oyebanji Gets Fayemi’s Blessing
Fayemi didn’t stop there. He took the opportunity to give Governor Oyebanji a glowing endorsement for a second term. He highlighted the Governor’s performance, especially his appointments, as evidence of his capability. He even went as far as to say that the governor has the full support of the APC leaders in Ekiti and beyond!
Welcome Back, But…
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Remember those who jumped ship in 2022 when Oyebanji was picked as the governorship candidate? Well, they’re back, and they’re now pushing for the Governor’s re-election. Fayemi, ever the politician, welcomed them back but not without a warning. They’ve got to get in line and prove themselves, he said.
Open to All (Sort Of)
While Fayemi is backing Oyebanji, he claims the door is not shut for others eyeing the 2026 governorship. He maintains he’s a democrat and doesn’t want to stifle anyone’s ambition, and welcomes any qualified and capable aspirant. However, he did make it clear that he and his family are firmly in the Oyebanji camp.
What Does This Mean For Ekiti Politics?
This isn’t just your everyday political talk. Fayemi’s statement has added a new dimension to the political landscape in Ekiti, making it clear that loyalty and performance are the name of the game. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, things are definitely heating up.
So there you have it! No automatic tickets, a clear endorsement, and a warning to those returning to the fold. The political scene in Ekiti is far from boring and there are many more developments coming soon.