Fayose Backs Oyebanji: “He’ll Be the One to Break My 16-0 Record” in Ekiti Guber Race
In a rare cross-party olive branch, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose threw his weight behind incumbent Biodun Oyebanji, predicting the APC helmsman will shatter his legendary 2014 electoral sweep of 16-0 across all local governments—and go even bigger by clinching every one of the state’s 177 wards in the 2026 polls. The PDP chieftain’s glowing endorsement, issued Thursday amid Oyebanji’s nomination form submission in Abuja, underscores a brewing political harmony that’s got rivals sweating.
Fayose’s Bold Prediction: From Rival to Record-Breaker Cheerleader
Fayose, never one to mince words, hailed Oyebanji’s Wednesday spectacle at the APC national secretariat—flanked by a who’s-who of political heavyweights—as a “clear show of political strength.” “By the power of God, he will not only be the one to beat my electoral record of winning in the 16 Local Government Areas in the state, he will win in the entire 177 wards,” Fayose declared in his statement.
The 2014 triumph—where Fayose’s PDP steamrolled the APC in every LGA—remains a benchmark of dominance in Nigeria’s Southwest politics. Fayose, now a PDP stalwart but eyeing broader alliances, dismissed naysayers as “storms in a teacup,” insisting Oyebanji’s convoy of supporters signals “no vacancy in the Ekiti Government House until 2030.”
Oyebanji’s Jinx-Breaking Quest: Divine Mandate for a Second Term
Oyebanji, submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms, framed his bid as a mission to shatter Ekiti’s infamous “single-term jinx”—where no incumbent has secured back-to-back victories since the state’s creation in 1996. “I have a divine mandate to break that jinx,” he told APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), blaming the cycle for stunted development and policy U-turns.
Flanked by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and ex-governors like Kayode Fayemi, Oyebanji touted unity across APC ranks, lawmakers, and even labor unions. APC NWC’s Abdullahi Ganduje marveled at the turnout, calling it unprecedented and a “loud statement” for 2026. Oyebanji promised a “walkover” for President Tinubu’s reelection if backed, tying his fate to federal fortunes.
Cross-Party Harmony: PDP’s Fayose Meets APC’s Momentum
Fayose’s praise, despite his PDP roots, hints at pragmatic realpolitik in Ekiti—where Oyebanji’s approval ratings hover above 70% per recent polls, buoyed by infrastructure wins like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and youth jobs programs. Analysts see it as Fayose hedging bets, distancing from PDP’s internal squabbles while propping a “people’s governor.”
Rivals, including PDP’s Bisi Kolawole and possible APC dark horses, face an uphill battle. Oyebanji urged them to ditch “social media propaganda” for substance, vowing Ekiti’s unity under his watch.
Public Buzz: Social Media Lights Up with Hype and Skepticism
X and Instagram erupted Friday, with #Oyebanji2026 trending among Ekiti users. “Fayose anointing Oyebanji? Politics na theater!” one post joked, racking up likes. Supporters hailed the “divine alignment,” while critics sniped at Fayose’s flip: “From foe to fanboy—money talks?”
Political watchers like those at Tribune Online predict a landslide if unity holds, but warn of PDP’s regrouping. “This endorsement is gold—Fayose’s street cred seals it,” one analyst noted.
Why U.S. Eyes Are on Ekiti’s Power Play
For the 400,000 Nigerian-Americans, Fayose’s nod and Oyebanji’s jinx-bust bid ripple through diaspora networks, where remittances from U.S.-based Ekiti indigenes top $500 million yearly. Stable Southwest governance aids U.S.-Nigeria trade pacts, like the $1 billion AfCFTA push, while echoing American political endorsements—think Biden’s elder statesman vibes.
It spotlights youth empowerment, with Oyebanji’s programs mirroring U.S. initiatives for African migrants, fostering bilateral ties amid 2026’s global elections fever.
Record-Breaking Horizons: Ekiti’s United Front
Fayose’s prophecy positions Oyebanji as the heir to his electoral throne, blending PDP nostalgia with APC muscle for a potential 177-0 sweep. As primaries loom in February 2026, this cross-aisle high-five could rewrite Ekiti’s script—breaking jinxes, records, and rivalries. If Fayose’s right, Oyebanji won’t just win; he’ll redefine dominance. Eyes on the Fountain of Unity.
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