Ekiti Gov Election: APC Announces Running Mate For Its Candidate

By Ayodele Oni

While the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in Ekiti state is still battling with the choice of running mate for its candidate in June Governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the nomination of Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye as the party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate for the June 18, 2022 gubernatorial election.

APC Spokesman in Ekiti state, Segun Dipe  disclosed this in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

According to him, the development has been formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in keeping with the extant electoral guidelines, and necessary formalities concluded.

He explained that “Afuye’s emergence is the outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the State, and has been welcomed enthusiastically, not only by party members, but also youth and women organisations, artisans, market women, the traditional institutions, and other grassroots stakeholders in the State.”

State Party Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho, said “We are pleased that the nomination of Chief (Mrs.)Monisade Christianah Afuye has been well received by our people, especially, amongst grassroots stakeholders.

“This has affirmed the correctness of our choice in response to the yearnings of the people for a Deputy Governorship candidate who is grounded in local realities.”

In his remarks, the governorship candidate, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, described the nomination of Afuye as a very strategic move to bolster the chances of the party at the polls.

Oyebanji said, “I am most excited to welcome Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye as my running mate for the upcoming elections.

“Madam Afuye has been a part of the political structure in the state for many years now, and is an accomplished mobiliser and voice for the masses.

“I know her to be a woman of immense wisdom and generosity of spirit, and I am confident that she would be a great partner whose reach and connections with the grassroots would contribute to earning the mandate of the people and eventually running an inclusive and progressive government that works for all.”

Born on September 28th 1958, Afuye had her early education at Saint Joseph C.A.C Primary School Aramoko, Aramoko Ekiti, and Amoye Grammar school, Ikere-Ekiti – primary and secondary schools respectively.

She earned her Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Crown Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Afuye is an accomplished entrepreneur, public servant, and community leader. She worked as a Catering Supervisor at the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (1979-1985) after which she went into private business.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of Demolad Catering Services, and was until her nomination a member of the Governing Council of the Bamidele Olomilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.

Afuye, a formidable grassroots politician, is a member of the Ekiti APC State Executive Council as the State Women Leader.

A Princess of Ikere who straddles two royal households in the Kingdom, Afuye holds the traditional title of Okinlua (Head of all Princesses) of Ikere-Ekiti. She is married with children and grandchildren.

In her reaction, Afuye thanked the leaders of the party and all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her, and promised to maintain open doors and listening ears to ensure victory at the polls.

She vowed to work collaboratively to ensure the voices and perspectives of people at the grassroots are included in the planning and implementation of programmes and policies when a new APC administration is inaugurated.

“Your agitations have resulted in our leaders nominating me to be your voice, to ensure the things important to you the masses in the grassroots are given priority.

“I look forward to working with our candidate, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) to build on the great development legacies of H.E. Dr Kayode Fayemi. I will not disappoint you.”