Following the release of the elections timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has formally expressed his intention to seek re-election.
Fayemi also named key officials of his re-election campaign.
In a statement in on Sunday, which he personally signed, Fayemi said: “Following the groundswell of support by leaders and members of our party as well as the generality of Ekiti people from the nooks and crannies of Ekiti State and in the Diaspora, it is with a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility that I today accept the calls by our people to seek re-election for a second term in office. You have made the calls, and today I have opted to act in deference to those sacred calls by throwing my hat into the ring for a free and fair contestation for the exalted office for a second term.”
On the reason for his decision to seek re-election, Fayemi said: “Our people can faithfully testify that together the Collective Rescue Mission we promised at the outset of our first term in office has crystalised. Indeed our people can testify to how we have rescued Ekiti State from the years of locusts and returned our dear state to the path of respectability, stability and development. Our people can affirm that we have kept faith with the Roadmap to Ekiti Recovery – our 8-points agenda. Every stratum of Ekiti State can see our footprints on those key sectors we promised to touch. My readiness to heed your calls today is therefore a demonstration of our collective commitment to continue the good work we have begun.”
It would be recalled that during the third anniversary of the Fayemi administration, various interest groups, including the women, youth, artisans as well as leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress from the 16 local government areas of the state, called on Fayemi to seek re-election for a second term so as a to continue the recovery and restoration work he had begun.
Fayemi said further in the statement: “My decision to heed the calls of our people following the plethora of endorsements I have received from the leaders and members of our party does not translate to the closure of the political space for contest. I therefore look forward to fair competition from my co-aspirants within and outside our party. I look forward to very robust debates and issue- based campaign.”
Kayemi in the statement further named a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola of Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1, as the Director General of his re-election campaign.
He will be assisted by Hon. Biodun Omoleye, the Special Adviser (Policy and Strategy) in his government as the Deputy Director General of the campaign, while Sanmi Omiata will serve as the in-house Communications Director of the campaign.
Bunmi Adelugba will be Director of Finance and Administration and Dimeji Daniels is the campaign spokesperson.
Fayemi said: “My reason for the appointment of these illustrious citizens of Ekiti State who are professionals with impeccable credentials to stir the process of our campaign is to enable me keep my eyes on the business of governance while we run a truly professional and edifying campaign.”