President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign has received a boost in Ekiti State following an endorsement by governorship candidates of opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The endorsement was announced during a presidential campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, November 5, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima appealed to residents to support the administration’s second-term ambition.
The rally attracted political leaders, party supporters and stakeholders from different parts of the state, providing an opportunity for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen its political support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the event, Shettima defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, describing the government’s reforms as difficult but necessary steps towards rebuilding the Nigerian economy.
He acknowledged the economic sacrifices made by Nigerians but maintained that the country was beginning to experience the benefits of the administration’s policies.
According to the Vice-President, the government had made commitments to Nigerians and was returning to seek another mandate to complete the work it had started.
He also highlighted the administration’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, electricity and other areas considered important to national development.
The endorsement by opposition politicians was one of the major developments at the rally.
Governorship candidates of the PDP, SDP and APM who contested the previous Ekiti governorship election reportedly pledged to mobilise their supporters for Tinubu’s re-election.
Their decision represents a political alignment that crosses traditional party boundaries and could influence the political calculations ahead of the next presidential election.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji welcomed the development, describing the support as evidence of the positive impact of federal government interventions in the state.
He urged residents to support the President, pointing to federal infrastructure projects and other interventions in Ekiti.
The governor also expressed confidence that the state would deliver substantial electoral support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
Other APC leaders at the rally also defended the administration’s performance.
Former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole highlighted the student loan scheme and other government programmes, arguing that the policies were designed to improve opportunities for young Nigerians.
The campaign rally forms part of the APC’s broader effort to consolidate support across the country before the next general election.
Ekiti State is politically important because of its position in the South-West, a region expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the presidential contest.
However, the opposition endorsements do not automatically translate into the support of every member of the affected political parties. Their eventual impact will depend on how effectively the politicians mobilise their supporters.
As political activities increase, the development highlights the growing importance of alliances and cross-party negotiations in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
