Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has stated that former governor, Ayodele Fayose, made a wrong choice when he threw his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
It was reported that Oluyede said this during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti.
He rejected claims that Fayose has the political strength to determine the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.
The PDP chieftain, however, acknowledged Fayose’s right to support any candidate of his choice but maintained that the former governor made the wrong political judgment.
He says the endorsements should be on the basis of measurable achievements and governance outcomes, saying the current administration has failed to meet expectations in key areas especially security and infrastructure.
”I respect Fayose and his right to support whoever he wants. It’s nothing personal. But if you ask me, he has taken the wrong decision by supporting this government,” Oluyede said.
The governorship hopeful said he was surprised that Fayose would endorse the administration despite what he termed glaring deficiencies in governance.
“I am disappointed because it indicates that the bar for supporting a government has been set very low. “There is little basis for such an endorsement if you look at the realities on the ground, especially in security and public service delivery,” he said.
But Oluyede ruled out any confrontation with the former governor over his political position, saying Fayose is entitled to his convictions as others are entitled to theirs.
He said the coming governorship election would be decided by the people of Ekiti State and not by endorsements from political leaders.
“People will decide. This election will not be won on endorsements or political declarations. Ekiti people are intelligent and they will judge those seeking their mandate on their performance,” he said.
The PDP candidate also took the opportunity to express concern about the security situation in the state, saying many residents now live in fear because of the increasing criminal activities.
