APM candidate steps down for Oyebanji as APC ramps up Ekiti campaign

Allied People’s Movement governorship candidate Chief Joseph Anifowose stepped down Tuesday for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, citing the need to sustain the state’s development under the current administration.

Anifowose announced the decision at a rally in Igede-Ekiti, saying Oyebanji’s work on infrastructure, social services and governance reforms showed continuity was needed. He said APM’s state executive and local government chapters had been directed to mobilize support for Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 election.

“If you look at Governor Oyebanji in the last three and a half years, he has been able to mobilize all the former Governors for the development of the state,” Anifowose said. “He has shown capacity and competence and he is committed to making Ekiti great.”

Speaking earlier in Ilawe-Ekiti, Oyebanji, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said the APC would leave no room for the opposition. They predicted a landslide for Oyebanji and for President Bola Tinubu in 2027, pointing to federal and state projects including the Ikere-Ilawe, Ikere-Igbara Odo and Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado roads, as well as power transmission stations at Ilupeju and Ijesa Isu.

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Oyebanji said the APC was targeting 500,000 votes and a clean sweep of all 177 wards. “No other party is campaigning, they are only campaigning on social media and that is where they will hear their own result,” he said.

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Bamidele urged voters not to waste ballots on parties without structure, saying only the APC could deliver benefits from federal to local level. Adaramodu said Ekiti South West must deliver at least 50,000 votes for Oyebanji.

APC state chairman Sola Elesin and local interest groups at the rally pledged support, citing the administration’s record in their communities.