Ekiti 2018: Guber Aspirants Suspend Ambition, Back Fayose’s Bid For Reelection

By Femi Oduduwa

Some gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State have encouraged incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, to seek a legal redress to complete his aborted tenure of 2006.

They expressed their resolve to back Fayose to contest in 2018 governorship election since his first term was aborted in 2006.

The aspirants are the deputy governor of the state, Kolapo Olusola; former deputy gv Bisi Omoyeni and Sikiru Lawal; Kayode Oso, Owoseni Ajayi and Bisi Komolafe.

Olusola, who addressed journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday alongside other aspirants, said they decided to suspend their gubernatorial aspirations pending the determination of the matter in court.

A communique signed by the six aspirants, states, "That the Supreme Court in the case of APC versus PDP & ORS resolved that the first tenure of Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose was unlawfully terminated in a civilian coup-like manner and hence deserves redress.

"In consideration of the above, we hereby urge and encourage Governor Fayose to seek legal redress in the competent court of law to recover the aborted mandate, including allowing him to contest the 2018 gubernatorial election, as the 2014 gubernatorial election and the subsequent swearing-in is so far the only legally recognised mandate of the governor.

"Hence, he still enjoys a legal right to contest for a second term as governor, and that pending the determination of this issue for the realisation of the governor's mandate by the court, we hereby suspend our gubernatorial aspirations."

Olusola said the aspirants would give maximum support to Fayose to achieve his aims.

"We pledge our support for the continuity agenda of our governor in order to ensure a smooth transition," he said.