The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ekiti State has withdrawn its support for its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi, and thrown its weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The decision was announced on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti by the state chairman of the party, Ayodele Bamikole, less than two days before voters head to the polls.
Bamikole, while addressing journalists, said the move followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the 16 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the party reviewed the candidates participating in the election and concluded that Governor Oyebanji had shown good leadership and dedication to the development of Ekiti State.
He stated that the endorsement also extends to the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, as the party believes the current administration deserves another term in office.
The SDP chairman explained that the party’s decision was influenced by the conduct of its own governorship candidate.
He said Obafemi failed to actively engage party members and did not run a visible campaign after emerging as the party’s flag bearer through a substitution process.
According to him, the party could no longer continue to support a candidate who did not show enough commitment and readiness for a major election contest.
Bamikole said the achievements recorded by the Oyebanji administration played a major role in the party’s decision.
He noted that several projects and programmes started by the government are still ongoing and would benefit from continuity to ensure their completion and full impact on residents.
He added that the governor’s approach to governance, as well as ongoing development efforts across the state, convinced the party that supporting his re-election would be in the interest of Ekiti people.
The SDP chairman disclosed that the party had directed its structures and supporters across the state to work for Oyebanji’s victory at the poll.
He expressed confidence that the party could contribute thousands of votes to strengthen the governor’s re-election bid.
