Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has made a remarkable cross-party endorsement, pledging support for incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s 2026 reelection bid despite their differing political affiliations. The surprising announcement came during the commissioning of the Ikeja GRA Network of Roads in Lagos State on Wednesday.
Fayose, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized that his support transcends party lines, focusing instead on Oyebanji’s leadership qualities and achievements. I am a PDP member but I will support Oyebanji in the next election. It is not about politics, it is who Oyebanji is,” declared the former governor, known for his outspoken political stances.
The endorsement carries particular weight given Fayose’s previous skepticism about Oyebanji’s nomination six years ago. When the news of your nomination came about six years ago, (there were) so many reservations but you have proved the bookmakers wrong including myself,” Fayose admitted, acknowledging how Oyebanji has exceeded expectations in office.
Oyebanji, who assumed office in October 2022 after defeating PDP’s Bisi Kolawole and SDP’s Olusegun Oni, has apparently impressed even his political opponents with his inclusive governance style. Fayose praised the governor’s ability to unite diverse political interests, drawing parallels with effective leadership in other regions.
During the road commissioning event, Fayose, who resides in Ikeja GRA, also commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Lagos for transforming the area to rival the prestigious Ikoyi neighborhood. “This place is now our own Ikoyi…You and your deputy have turned GRA to Ikoyi GRA,” he noted, demonstrating his willingness to acknowledge achievements across party lines.
The former governor’s endorsement reflects a growing trend of political realignment based on performance rather than party loyalty. Fayose emphasized his commitment to speaking truth regardless of potential consequences, stating, “I am one Nigerian who will not say what I don’t mean even if they will kill me.
While reaffirming his PDP membership and declaring he would “never be a member” of the APC, Fayose’s support for Oyebanji signals a possible shift in Nigerian political dynamics where performance and effective governance might increasingly trump party affiliations in electoral decisions.
This early endorsement, coming well ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, could influence political alignments and strategic calculations within both the PDP and APC. It may also impact how other opposition figures approach their relationships with incumbent administrations of different party affiliations.
The development adds another layer to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where traditional party loyalties are increasingly being challenged by pragmatic assessments of leadership effectiveness and governance outcomes. Fayose’s willingness to publicly support a political opponent based on performance metrics might set a precedent for similar cross-party endorsements in future electoral cycles.
As Ekiti State continues its development journey under Oyebanji’s leadership, this early endorsement from a key opposition figure could either strengthen the governor’s position or spark debates within political circles about party loyalty versus governance effectiveness.
