….Says Ekiti Progressives Must Close Ranks, Questions Fayemi’s Political Realignment
The Ekiti Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Good Governance (ECDAGG) has called for a broad political alliance involving Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede and various support groups to work together towards ensuring the successful re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The coalition said the need for unity among progressive stakeholders in the state had become necessary to consolidate support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and position Ekiti as a major contributor to the President’s re-election efforts.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Adebayo Olalekan, and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the group said political differences and past contests should not prevent leaders and stakeholders from working together for a common national objective.
ECDAGG stated that the 2027 presidential election would require effective coordination, grassroots mobilisation and the involvement of credible political figures with strong connections across communities in Ekiti State.
The coalition noted that Ekiti has always played a significant role in Nigeria’s political development, stressing that the state must present a united front in the national political space.
According to the group, the success of President Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ekiti would depend largely on the ability of progressive forces to harmonise their structures, engage the people and build a wider coalition beyond existing party boundaries.
The coalition said recent political consultations involving former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had generated political discussions among members of the progressive family in Ekiti.
It said the developments had further increased the need for pro-Tinubu political actors in the state to close ranks and develop a coordinated strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
ECDAGG also questioned the political direction of some former progressive leaders, saying recent alignments and consultations outside the traditional progressive fold had created concerns among supporters of the Tinubu administration.
The coalition, however, maintained that the interest of Ekiti and the success of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition should remain the priority of all stakeholders.
The group disclosed that it made several attempts to reach Dr. Wole Oluyede to obtain his reaction to growing calls for him to play a frontline role in President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign but was unable to speak with him before releasing the statement.
The coalition described Dr. Oluyede as a grassroots politician with significant support across different communities and social groups in Ekiti State, adding that his involvement in a broader progressive coalition would strengthen mobilisation efforts ahead of the presidential election.
ECDAGG urged Governor Oyebanji and the APC leadership in Ekiti to engage with Dr. Oluyede and other political support groups in the state, saying that a united approach would create a stronger platform for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The group said bringing together the governor’s political structure, the APC machinery, Dr. Oluyede’s support groups and other progressive movements would provide an opportunity to expand grassroots participation and attract more citizens to support the President’s vision.
The coalition further stated that the votes recorded during the last governorship election demonstrated the existence of a large pool of politically active citizens who could be mobilised through meaningful engagement and inclusive leadership.
It added that political victory in 2027 would require cooperation among leaders, respect for diverse interests and a commitment to a common agenda focused on development and good governance.
ECDAGG therefore appealed to all progressive stakeholders in Ekiti State to put aside personal differences and work towards building a formidable political family capable of delivering overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The coalition reaffirmed that Ekiti’s contribution to national politics must be guided by unity, strategic planning and a collective commitment to democratic progress.
