Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Barely 48 hours to the Ekiti State governorship election, the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Adetunji Victor Damilola, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement came shortly before the ZLP candidate visited Governor Oyebanji at his office, accompanied by the state Vice Chairman of the party, Ayo Ipinlaye, and Secretary, Aladeyelu Sehinde Damilola.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Adetunji said his decision was borne out of the need to place the overall interest and development of Ekiti above partisan considerations. He explained that the withdrawal followed extensive consultations with party leaders, political associates and supporters across the state’s 16 local government areas. Adetunji noted that he took the decision after a careful assessment of the political situation in the state and what he described as the "supersonic performance" of the Oyebanji-led administration. He said the governor had demonstrated commitment to the development of the state through policies and programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education and the welfare of residents.
“I now call on all Zenith Labour Party supporters across the state to unite and vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Let us continue to support his efforts to transform Ekiti into a land of pride for all of us,” Adetunji stated. He added that politics should be driven by the collective aspirations of the people rather than personal ambition, stressing that his decision was informed by his desire to see Ekiti continue on the path of peace and sustainable development.
In a parallel development, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ekiti State has officially disowned its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi, and thrown its weight behind Governor Oyebanji. The party’s State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole, announced the decision at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, saying the endorsement followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the 16 local government areas.
Bamikole explained that the party assessed the candidates in the election and concluded that the governor had demonstrated quality leadership qualities and unalloyed commitment to the development of the state. The SDP chairman said the party’s decision was further influenced by what he described as the inactivity of its candidate, whom he said failed to effectively engage party members or mount a visible campaign after emerging as the party’s flag bearer through a substitution process.
“On behalf of all members of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State, I formally and enthusiastically endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, in their bid for re-election in Saturday’s governorship election,” Bamikole stated.
The ZLP and SDP developments follow a similar move by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Chief Joseph Anifowose, who stepped down for Governor Oyebanji on May 12, 2026. Anifowose announced his decision during an APC campaign rally in Igede Ekiti, citing the developmental projects and governance style of the Oyebanji administration, which he said should be sustained.
“If you look at Governor Oyebanji in the last three and a half years, he has been able to mobilise all the former governors for the development of the state. Governor Oyebanji is a divine arrangement and a God-sent. He has shown capacity and competence, and he is committed to making Ekiti great,” Anifowose said.
Governor Oyebanji, in his response to the SDP leadership, thanked them for their decision to support his candidacy and for their confidence in his leadership and governing style. He described the stance of the SDP to support him with their votes, coming barely two weeks after the candidate of the APM announced his decision to work with the APC, as a sign that some opposition parties are more interested in the Ekiti project, which requires the cooperation and collaboration of all well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters regardless of political affiliation.
“The basic thing is the need to keep Ekiti moving forward, because what has brought you here today is not about yourself, it’s about the need to keep a government that is delivering in office even at the expense of your own interest, that is commitment,” the governor said. “If a government is delivering on its promises to the people, the state is peaceful, there’s development all over the state, there’s no point changing a winning team but you can be part of that winning team.”
The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. With the withdrawal of multiple opposition candidates and the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji, the incumbent governor is consolidating his position ahead of the poll. The All Progressives Congress, which has built a formidable campaign structure with the support of defecting opposition parties, appears to be in a strong position to retain the state.
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