By Residents of Ekiti State will today head to the polls to elect their next governor in a hotly-contested election as major political parties set to slug it out.
With voting reported to have commenced in some polling units in the state, BlackBox Nigeria brings to you the leading contenders for the Ekiti governorship seat.
Biodun Oyebanji
The emergence of Biodun Oyebanji as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ekiti gubernatorial polls was largely controversial.
Oyebanji, who served as the Secretary to the State Government under incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi, is said to be the anointed candidate of his principal, as observed in the conduct of the APC primary which saw about seven aspirants withdrew from the race on grounds of alleged imposition.
Regardless of the claims, the ruling party will be looking at retaining power in Ekiti, particularly in the build-up to the 2023 presidential elections.
Bisi Kolawole
Like Oyebanji is said to be backed by Fayemi, Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former chairman of the opposition party in Ekiti, is a known ally of former governor, Ayodele Fayose.
Report has it that Kolawole won the PDP primary all thanks to Fayose who weathered the storm on his behalf. Interestingly, the 65-year-old served under Fayose as Commissioner for Environment.
Though he had denied being the former governor’s stooge, there are strong indications that the ‘Fayose’ factor will play a major role in Kolawole’s chances of clinching the guber seat.
Segun Oni
Oni is no newcomer in the political space of Ekiti State. He had a stint as governor of the state from 2007 until 2010 when he was unfortunately kicked out of power after an appeal court ruled that the governorship election that he won was rigged.
With the relatively unknown Social Democratic Party (PDP), the ex-governor hopes to actualize his return to the Ado-Ekiti seat. Oni joined the party after failing to clinch the PDP ticket.
The politician is believed to have a strong political structure in the state, and enjoys massive following and popularity amongst the Ekiti people.
