Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has faulted ex-governor Ayodele Fayose for endorsing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, insisting that the governor’s performance does not justify such support.
Oluyede spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, where he dismissed suggestions that Fayose’s political weight would significantly influence the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.
While acknowledging Fayose’s right to support any candidate of his choice, the PDP chieftain maintained that the former governor had made the wrong political judgment by throwing his weight behind the incumbent administration.
According to him, endorsements should be based on measurable achievements and governance outcomes, arguing that the current administration has fallen short of expectations in critical areas, particularly security and infrastructure.
“I respect Fayose and his right to support whoever he wants. We have no personal issues. But if you ask me, he has made the wrong choice in supporting this government,” Oluyede said.
The governorship hopeful expressed surprise that Fayose would endorse the administration despite what he described as glaring governance deficiencies.
He argued that the benchmark for evaluating government performance should be much higher, adding that the endorsement raises questions about the standards being applied in assessing the administration.
“I am disappointed because it suggests that the threshold for endorsing a government has become very low. If you look at the realities on the ground, particularly in security and public service delivery, there is little basis for such an endorsement,” he stated.
Oluyede, however, ruled out any confrontation with the former governor over his political position, saying Fayose is entitled to his convictions just as others are entitled to theirs.
He stressed that the forthcoming governorship election would ultimately be determined by the people of Ekiti State rather than by endorsements from political leaders.
“The people will decide. This election will not be won by endorsements or political declarations. Ekiti people are intelligent and will assess the performance of those seeking their mandate,” he said.
The PDP candidate also used the opportunity to raise concerns about the security situation in the state, alleging that many residents now live in fear due to increasing criminal activities.
He criticised what he described as government’s inadequate response to security challenges, poor condition of police facilities and the lack of modern security infrastructure needed to effectively combat crime.
According to him, no government can claim success when citizens are afraid to move freely or attend social and community functions.
Oluyede further questioned the utilisation of security votes allocated to the state, insisting that greater transparency and accountability are needed in the management of public resources devoted to security.
On national politics, he reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that his backing for the President predates current political alignments and is based on his belief that Tinubu remains the best person to lead Nigeria at this time.
He recalled supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition before joining the APC, insisting that his position was driven by conviction rather than political expediency.
While acknowledging the economic and governance challenges facing the country, Oluyede maintained that the President’s efforts would yield greater results if state governments effectively translated available resources into improved security, infrastructure and public services for citizens.