Barely five days to Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State has announced plans to align its structure with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and work for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji saying they don’t want to be left behind in the success story of the Governor on Saturday.
The leaders of the party, comprising some national committee and state working committee members disclosed this at a meeting with Governor Oyebanji in Ado- Ekiti on Monday.
They said that their solidarity with the Governor was not about party affiliation but about supporting a performing governor for a second term in order to continue with the good work of developing Ekiti state to an enviable height.
Speaking on behalf of the SDP leaders at the meeting held at the Governor’s office, held at the Governor’s office, the State Chairman, Mr Ayodele Bamikole and Deputy National Women leader, Mrs Ariyike Ilesanmi affirmed their belief in the leadership style of Governor Oyebanji that has brought remarkable development to all the sectors of the state economy.
Describing SDP as one of the most formidable political parties in the state, the leaders said their decision to work for Governor Oyebanji has the backing of the party’s national chairman, Shehu Musa Gabbam, adding that they have traversed the 16 local government areas to mobilized and encourage their members on the need to vote for the Governor Oyebanji.
Governor Oyebanji, in his response, thanked the SDP leadership for their decision to support his candidacy ahead of Saturday’s election and for their confidence in his leadership and governing style.
He promised to do his best to ensure that Ekiti people, irrespective of political affiliation, continue to reap the dividends of democracy, adding that his second term will bring greater level of development in the state.
He stated further that the stance of the SDP to support him with their votes, coming barely two weeks after the candidate of the APM in the state, announced his decision to work with APC shows that some of the opposition parties are more interested in the Ekiti project which requires the cooperation and collaboration of all well meaning Ekiti sons and daughters regardless of political affiliation.
“The basic thing is the need to keep Ekiti moving forward, because what has brought you here today is not about yourself, it’s about the need to keep a government that is delivering in office even at the expense of your own interest, that is commitment.
“If a government is delivering on its promises to the people, the state is peaceful, there’s development all over the state, there’s no point changing a winning team but you can be part of that winning team. The election is Saturday, you are here today to identify with us because you understand the concept of time and season. We apprecuate your supper and we will not take it for granted.”, he added.
Also at the meeting were the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun. Deputy Director, campaign council (North), Mrs Kemi Olaleye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Mr Adumo, Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso.
