The governor Kayode Fayemi’s anointed candidate, Biodun Oyebanji has said that agitation for zoning cannot stop him from expressing his political aspiration as a free-born Ekiti man.
Oyebanji, who is the immediate past Secretary to Ekiti State Government (SSG ) made the clarifications in a chat with journalists in Ado-Ekiti.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant disclosed that even though he had nothing against zoning agitators, such can’t deprive him of his fundamental rights to vie for the position of the governor.
“I am always at home because I am a homeboy and I have street appeal and it comes to me naturally.
“I respect the views and opinions of these aspirants as respectable sons of Ekiti. They are making a legitimate right, as much as they have the right to agitate, I should also be allowed to exercise my fundamental rights. Nothing stops me from expressing my own aspiration as a free-born and citizen of this state.
“Let me say this, these agitations will never divide us. We are united in spirit and soul. If God gives me victory, I will bring everybody together, it is in unity that we can stand and progress” Oyebanji said.
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Oyebanji, who is from Ekiti Central, said though the south agitators were right to advocate for the governorship seat as citizens of Ekiti, adding that he should also be given leeway to the same privilege as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
He stressed that while the south is free to agitate for governorship, that other interested aspirants from other zones can vie for the seat, with the party ensuring a level playing field for the right candidate to emerge at the primary.
According to him “what we need in our governor are good character, competence, compassion and commitment.
“To the glory of God, I see myself as an embodiment of these qualities. My words are my bond, I am a loyal party man and I have always been loyal to all my bosses.
“In terms of quality service delivery, I think I stand out. Go and check my records as a Special Assistant, Special Adviser, Commissioner and SSG, they were outstanding . I have given my best to Ekiti”.
Oyebanji said he was not in any way terrified by direct primary being agitated for by some aspirants contrary to insinuation in some quarters.
“I don’t want to be distracted by direct primary noise. Either direct or indirect, I am at home. I am a grassroots person. I understand the terrain. It is not even within the purview of any aspirant to determine the modality of the primary, only the national can dictate that.
“I am always at home because I am a homeboy and I have street appeal and it comes to me naturally”.
He appealed to the party members to undertake a thorough assessment of all the aspirants and ensure that they pick the best aspirant, regardless of his zone.
Oyebanji said his campaign will be issue-based bearing in mind the promises made by all aspirants that they will be civil and democratic in their approaches.
