The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi, to run for the office of the president in the 2023 General elections.
The call comes shortly after loyalists of the National Leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, instituted a presidential campaign council for him ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The state caretaker chairman, Paul Omotoso, stated that the party will force the governor into the presidential race.
Omotoso said this during a programme held by APC Chieftain, Olusegun Osinkolu, for 1,000 party members in Ekiti north senatorial district, on Saturday.
Omotoso, who was represented by the state publicity secretary, Ade Ajayi, cited the Governor’s proficiency and unwavering loyalty to the party as reasons why he was the right choice.
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“On the 2023 presidency, the time has come for president to come from Ekiti. That is why we are pleading with you to support Governor Fayemi,” he said.
“Though Governor Fayemi has never said he wants to contest, we will force him to plunge into the race, because of his competence, dedication, and loyalty to APC,” Omotoso said.
Earlier this year, in reaction to rumours about his Presidential ambitions, Fayemi had stated that he had no intention of superseding President Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
In related news, Omotoso revealed the party at the state, local government and ward levels would also reward Osinkolu for his allegiance and contributions to the party.
“We are going to support him for the Senatorial race in 2023 because he has done well to boost the acceptability and popularity of our party in Ekiti despite that he was denied senatorial ticket twice. He has remained loyal, contented, and committed to APC,” Omotoso revealed.
Osinkolu, in turn, vowed his unconditional allegiance to the ruling party.