Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose has delivered a political shocker by endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second terms in office—just days after he was fully acquitted by a federal court in Lagos of a ₦6.9 billion money laundering scandal. His dramatic shift has Nigerian political watchers asking: What’s really behind this alliance?
Endorsement That Shook Ekiti
At a high-profile gathering in Ado-Ekiti on July 28, 2025, Fayose publicly declared:
“I hereby endorse, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term; and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for re-election. I am not a member of APC, but performance must matter.”
Reports say all former governors and state lawmakers were present—a show of unity, or calculated political theatre. (turn0search14)(turn0search8)
From Courthouse to the Stage
Just days earlier, on July 15, 2025, Fayose celebrated in tears after the Federal High Court in Lagos cleared him of all charges in an anti-graft case tied to alleged multi-billion-naira fraud. The court found the EFCC lacked evidence and dismissed his case entirely. (turn0search9)(turn0search11)
His legal victory begs the question: Did the endorsement emerge from conviction—or collusion? Political analysts speculate Fayose’s public alliance with Tinubu and Oyebanji could be an unspoken quid pro quo for his legal exoneration.
Political Pragmatism or Strategy?
Fayose insists he’s not defecting to APC; instead, he framed the move as loyalty to “Ekiti above all.” He challenged Oyebanji to match his own feat of sweeping victories across all 16 LGAs and 177 wards—a signature of “person over party” politics.
Yet, PDP insiders were furious: they swiftly condemned his announcement, warning that Fayose’s posture undermines party cohesion and demanded disciplinary action against him. (turn0search12)
Hidden Agenda or Genuine Unity?
Observers highlight that friendly nods from Tinubu and Ojeybanji administration may signal a broader strategy: weakening PDP’s base in Ekiti State from within. It’s no secret that Fayose wields influence in the Southwest—and whom better to help chip away at the opposition than the man once portrayed as its fiercest critic?
- Ayodele Fayose served two non-consecutive terms as Ekiti governor (2003–2006; 2014–2018), known for fiery rhetoric, populist policies, and controversial battles against EFCC over corruption allegations.
- His court acquittal in 2025 effectively erased a seven-year legal war—including charges involving ₦6.9 billion and alleged diversion of funds from national security contracts via proxies. (turn0search17)(turn0search1)
- Political heavyweights have endorsed Oyebanji behind the scenes, but Fayose’s public reversal has amplified intrigue. What players were working behind the curtains?
The drama unfolding in Ekiti mirrors a broader masterclass in Nigerian political chess. Fayose’s pivot raises pointed questions:
Did he genuinely recognize Oyebanji’s performance?
Or was this endorsement currency in a political bailout transaction?
As rumors swirl of quiet meetings between Fayose and Tinubu, many Nigerians are left asking: Is this the story of forgiveness—or the payback of political leverage?
