By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Emmanuel Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has announced his intention to run for governor of Ekiti State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fayose made this known in a statement released on Friday, stating his commitment to restoring the state and driving growth and development.
Fayose’s decision to join the governorship race is driven by his desire to “dislodge the Oyebanji-led government” and establish an inclusive administration that will drive Ekiti in the right direction. He emphasized, “I am in the race to dislodge the Oyebanji-led government, and eventually, if I win, I will run an inclusive government that would steer Ekiti in the right direction.”
Fayose’s announcement comes after a recent meeting between his brother, Ayodele Fayose and President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. During the meeting, the former governor reportedly pledged support for the incumbent’s reelection bid, a move that has been criticized by party members in Ekiti as anti-party.
However, Emmanuel Fayose has reaffirmed his commitment to his ambition, stating that the Lagos meeting will not impact his aspirations. He noted, “I read about the meeting in the newspapers like any other person and I wish to state that the meeting has nothing to do with my aspiration.” Fayose further emphasized that his brother’s decision is an exercise of his democratic rights and will not negatively impact his own bid.
Fayose has urged his supporters to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for positive change in Ekiti. He concluded, “So my brother is on his own and it’s left for the leadership of our great party to ascertain his political allegiance either to our PDP or APC. I am, however, using the opportunity provided by this platform to urge our teeming supporters to remain firm and resolute and not to be distracted in any way to cause the needed change in our state.”
