Oyebanji and Fayose Join Forces in Ikere-Ekiti to Demand Massive Tinubu Vote; APC Swallows PDP Heavyweight Akomolafe

The political landscape of Ekiti State shifted decisively on Monday, March 2, as the “State of Harmony” was on full display in Ikere-Ekiti. In a rare and powerful show of cross-party alignment, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and former Governor Ayo Fayose shared the podium to rally the state behind President Bola Tinubu, effectively turning a local reception for defectors into a high-octane campaign launch.

Governor Oyebanji, speaking to a sea of supporters, threw down a gauntlet that has sent ripples through the South-West. He declared that the era of “modest” voting numbers is over, demanding that Ekiti deliver a staggering 600,000 votes for President Tinubu in 2027. “Anything less than 600,000 votes is not good enough for us,” Oyebanji stated. “The President has stood by us in terms of projects and support; we must repay him with a signal that cannot be ignored.”

Adding weight to the Governor’s call was Ayo Fayose, who, despite maintaining his PDP membership, made it clear where his loyalties lie for the next cycle. Fayose, who was instrumental in the defection of his political protégé Henrich Akomolafe to the APC, told the crowd that the re-election of both Oyebanji (in June 2026) and Tinubu (in 2027) is “already a settled matter.” He praised the duo for their “creditable performance” and urged his followers to back those who have “added value” to the state.

The defection of Akomolafe, a former PDP Reps candidate, is being seen as a “fatal blow” to the opposition’s chances in the upcoming June 20 governorship poll. Akomolafe, who described his move as a “child of necessity,” led hundreds of supporters into the APC fold, effectively hollowing out a key PDP stronghold in Ikere.

As the June 2026 governorship election draws closer, the APC’s “Big Tent” strategy appears to be working. While the PDP remains embroiled in legal battles over its excluded candidates, the Oyebanji-Fayose alliance has sent a clear message: in Ekiti, the train for 2026 and 2027 has already left the station, and it’s moving at full speed.