Wole Oluyede, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ekiti State has faulted ex-governor Ayodele Fayose for endorsing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying that the governor’s performance does not deserve such support.
Oluyede spoke during an interactive session with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, where he debunked suggestions that Fayose’s political weight would have a huge impact on the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.
While noting Fayose’s right to support any candidate of his choice, the PDP chieftain said the former governor has made the wrong political judgment by throwing his weight behind the incumbent administration.
He said endorsements should be based on “measurable achievements and governance outcomes” and that the current administration has “failed to deliver” in critical areas, particularly security and infrastructure.
“Fayose is my respected elder and as such is entitled to support anyone. We have no personal problems. But if you ask me, he has taken the wrong decision in supporting this government,” Oluyede said.
He expressed surprise that Fayose would endorse the administration in the face of what he described as glaring governance deficiencies.
He said the standards that should be applied to measure government performance should be much higher and that the endorsement raises questions about the standards being used to measure the administration.
“I’m disappointed because it shows the bar is set very low for endorsing a government. “If you look at the realities on the ground, especially in security and public service delivery, there is little basis for such an endorsement,” he said.
Oluyede, however, said there would be no clash with the former governor on his political stance, adding that Fayose was entitled to his convictions like others who have theirs.
He also stressed that the upcoming governorship election would be decided by the people of Ekiti State and not by endorsements of political leaders.
The people will make the decision. Endorsements and political declarations are not going to win this election. “The Ekiti people are intelligent and they will judge those who will seek their mandate based on their performance,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to express concerns about the security situation in the state, claiming that many residents now live in fear as a result of the increasing criminal activities.
He condemned what he called government’s poor response to security challenges, poor state of police facilities and lack of modern security infrastructure to effectively tackle crime.
No government can claim success, he says, when citizens are afraid to move freely or attend social and community functions.
Oluyede also questioned the use of security votes allocated to the state, insisting that there is need for greater transparency and accountability in handling public resources devoted to security.
On national politics, he reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu, explaining that his support for the President predates existing political alignments and is based on his belief that Tinubu is still the best person to lead Nigeria at this time.
He said he supported Tinubu’s presidential ambition before joining the APC because of conviction and not political expediency.
While recognising 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.
