Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose confirms that President Tinubu has endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term ahead of the 2026 governorship election

Tinubu endorses Oyebanji for a second term as Governor of Ekiti State, according to former governor Ayo Fayose, who disclosed the endorsement after a private meeting with the President in Lagos.

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Fayose, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two-term governor of Ekiti, told journalists that he directly asked President Bola Tinubu to clarify rumours about a change in his political support for the 2026 governorship election in the state.

“President Tinubu told me clearly that he is still backing Oyebanji,” Fayose stated, speaking from Ikoyi, Lagos, where the meeting took place at the President’s private residence.

According to Fayose, the President dismissed speculation suggesting a shift in loyalty, reaffirming his support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who succeeded Kayode Fayemi in 2022.

Fayose praised Oyebanji’s performance, noting that his governance record has earned him the backing of past state leaders.

“He is doing very well as governor. Myself and other former governors are fully behind him for re-election,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been marked by efforts to stabilise the state’s economy, improve infrastructure, and foster inclusive governance.

With the President’s backing now publicly confirmed, his path to a second term may have gained significant political momentum ahead of the 2026 polls.

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Observers say Fayose’s open declaration of support for a rival party’s candidate reflects the complex web of alliances that shape Nigerian politics at the state level.