The Social Democratic Party SDP, Ekiti State Chapter, has officially withdrawn support for its own candidate and endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji APC for re-election in Saturday’s June 20, 2026 governorship poll.
Announcing the decision at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, SDP State Chairman Hon. Ayodele Bamikole said the endorsement followed extensive consultations and assessment of all candidates in the race.
“On behalf of all members of SDP in the state, I formally and enthusiastically endorse His Excellency the Executive Governor of Ekiti, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and Mrs. Monisade Afuye in their bid to seek re-election for a second term,” Bamikole declared.
He explained that the party took the decision after noting that its candidate, Otunba Dr. Peter Olugbenga Obafemi, made no meaningful contribution or campaign activities since securing the ticket through a substitution primary.
Bamikole said SDP’s endorsement was not hasty, but based on Oyebanji’s “exceptional leadership, transparency, and transformative developmental projects” that are directly benefiting Ekiti people. He described continuity as crucial to allow ongoing projects reach full potential.
“Continuity is very crucial. As a party, we openly declare to support our Omoluabi Governor with 25,000 votes come Saturday, June 20, 2026,” the SDP chairman stated.
He also used the forum to warn the public about “miscreants and agents of destabilization” who invaded the party secretariat on June 17, 2026 with dangerous weapons and carted away official materials. Bamikole called on security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, to bring the culprits to book.
The SDP chairman added that the party remains a formidable force in Ekiti, citing its 84,000 votes and runner-up position in the 2022 governorship election as proof of its structure and influence.
The chairman was corroborated by other leaders of the party.
