Four days to the Ekiti State governorship election, the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has announced plans to align its structure with that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and work for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
During a meeting with the governor in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital, on Monday, SDP leaders, comprising some national committee and state working committee members, said that they do not want to be left behind in Oyebanji’s success story.
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 the to an enviable height.
On behalf of the SDP leaders at the meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, the state Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Bamikole; and Deputy National Women leader, Mrs. Ariyike Ilesanmi affirmed their belief in Oyebanji’s leadership style which they said had 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 the governor has the backing of the party’s national chairman, Shehu Musa Gabbam, adding that they have traversed the 16 Local Government Areas to mobilise and encourage their members on the need to vote for Oyebanji.
The governor 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 the people of the state, 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 governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the state, Chief Joseph Anifowose announced his decision to work with the 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 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’, Oyebanji added.
Also at the meeting were the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Deputy Director of the Campaign Council (North), Mrs. Kemi Olaleye; Special Adviser to the Governorn on Media, and Mr. Yinka Oyebode; among others.
