- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It was a moment of carnival like as celebration took centre stage in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday as the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda staged a solidarity rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The event, which attracted members and supporters of the alliance, was attended by the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who joined other stakeholders at the gathering amidst pomp and celebration.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the alliance, Dr Oluyede, pledged the support of his followers for President Tinubu’s re-election, saying the group was targeting 90 per cent support from Ekiti voters.
Although he identified with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluyede said his decision to support President Tinubu was based on what he described as the interest and peace of the people of Ekiti State.
He appreciated his supporters for coming out to demonstrate their support for the President and urged Governor Oyebanji to sustain the good work of his administration.
Oluyede also appealed to the Governor to remember his supporters and other members of the group when making appointments during his second term in office.
He said, “What is paramount to me is the peace of Ekiti people,” adding that political differences should not prevent stakeholders from working together for the development of the state.
Oluyede said despite belonging to the PDP, he and his followers were prepared to support President Tinubu’s re-election, stressing that the decision was driven by their assessment of the interests of Ekiti State.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji thanked Dr Oluyede and members of his group for what he described as putting the interest of Ekiti above partisan considerations.
The governor assured them that his administration would carry them along, saying those who supported the government and contributed to the development of the state would not be forgotten.
Oyebanji also said there was nothing wrong with members of the PDP and APC holding joint meetings in communities across Ekiti State, stressing the need for political actors to work together for the peace and development of the state.
The governor commended Dr Oluyede for retaining the support of his followers despite losing an election, describing the development as an indication of his mobilisation capacity.
Oyebanji said it was rare for a political leader to maintain a strong following after losing an election, noting that Oluyede had demonstrated the ability to mobilise people around a cause.
The event ended with renewed calls for political cooperation, peaceful coexistence and collective efforts towards the development of Ekiti State.
