Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-13 04:30:06
Ekiti State is gearing up for a major political battle, as the race for the 2026 governorship candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) heats up. The state congress is set to take place later this year, and it is already evident that high-stakes politics will be at play as different power blocs jockey for control of the party.
At present, the party structure in Ekiti State is firmly in the hands of former governor Kayode Fayemi, who has thrown his support behind the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for the 2022 governorship election. However, several emerging political figures are determined to wrestle control of the party structure from Fayemi and diminish his influence in the state’s politics.
One notable group within the APC, known as Alake Vanguard, is reportedly backing the Minister of Mines and Solid Mineral Resources, Mr. Dele Alake, as their preferred candidate for the 2026 governorship race. This group is banking on Alake’s close ties to President Bola Tinubu. However, conflicting reports exist as to whether Alake himself has endorsed this campaign, with some sources indicating that he has openly distanced himself from the governorship race.
Additionally, Dayo Adeyeye, a key figure in President Tinubu’s support group known as the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), is said to be strengthening his political structure within the APC in anticipation of the governorship race. This group, known as Prince Adedayo Movement (PAM), has remained independent from the party and could potentially play a significant role in the upcoming congresses.
Meanwhile, the current Governor Oyebanji is facing a dilemma regarding his loyalty to Fayemi and his possible alignment with President Tinubu’s camp. While Fayemi currently controls the party’s structure at various levels, it is widely believed that President Tinubu’s endorsement will carry significant weight in determining the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
Despite the growing political tensions, Governor Oyebanji has made it clear that he remains focused on governing the state and that the 2026 governorship race is currently the “least of his worries.” He has emphasized his commitment to leading Ekiti State towards prosperity and has vowed not to allow political distractions to derail his efforts.
The governor has also received widespread endorsement from leaders within the state, including former governors Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, all of whom have voiced their support for his second term in office. This endorsement is a testament to Oyebanji’s ability to unite different political and religious factions within the state and his commitment to driving development.
As the battle for the APC’s governorship candidacy in Ekiti State unfolds, it is evident that political maneuvering and behind-the-scenes plotting will play a significant role in determining the eventual outcome. With the stakes high and different power players vying for control, the coming months are sure to be filled with intense political drama and strategic calculations.
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