Just days before the Ekiti State governorship election, the Social Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, withdrawing support for its own candidate and pledging to mobilise 25,000 votes for the incumbent.
The endorsement was announced on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti by the state chairman of the SDP, Hon. Ayodele Bamikole, who said the party reached the decision after reviewing the credentials and performance of candidates contesting Saturday's governorship poll.
Bamikole said the party had resolved to support Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, for a second term, citing what he described as the administration's developmental strides and inclusive style of governance.
According to him, the decision followed consultations within the party and an assessment of the political landscape in the state.
He explained that the party's candidate, Otunba Peter Olugbenga Obafemi, failed to demonstrate commitment to the race after emerging through a substitution process, adding that he neither actively engaged party members nor mounted a visible campaign.
The SDP chairman said the party considered continuity necessary to sustain ongoing projects across the state, arguing that the governor's achievements justified another term in office.
Bamikole expressed confidence that party members would deliver no fewer than 25,000 votes to support Oyebanji's re-election bid in the June 20 poll.
He also alleged that some unidentified persons invaded the party secretariat on June 17, carting away official materials and causing disruption at the premises.
The SDP chairman called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
Despite backing the APC candidate, Bamikole maintained that the SDP remained a strong political force in Ekiti State, pointing to its performance in the 2022 governorship election, where it emerged as the runner-up.
Other leaders of the party who attended the briefing also endorsed the decision, describing it as being in the overall interest of the state and its people.
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