Ekiti Governorship Race 2022, Count Me Out – Niyi Adebayo |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

The  first Governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, has declared that he is not in the race to succeed Dr Kayode Fayemi as Governor of the state.

Otunba Adebayo, who was governor of the state between 1999 and 2003, said speculations about his Governorship ambition in 2022 is not true.

In a statement by his media aide in Ado Ekiti,  Mr Julius Toba- Jegede, the former governor, now Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, said he  made his marks when he served as Governor .

Adebayo was reacting to the recent erection of some billboards across Ado Ekiti, the state capital, and other strategic locations across the state by some political groups, calling on him to join the race in view of what they described as his good leadership traits.

There has also been speculation within the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the state that Adebayo is being tipped to succeed Governor Kayode Fayemi.

He said though he appreciates the various calls from the groups, he would rather be focused on his current assignment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I am aware of the recent development of people agitating for me to contest the governorship of Ekiti State in 2022.

“With every sense of humility and respect, I want to thank them for believing in me. However, I must state clearly that I am not interested in running for the office of governor of Ekiti State again.

“As a leader, it was a privilege to serve Ekiti as its first executive governor where I did my best leaving behind verifiable legacy projects.

“My interest now is to continue playing my leadership role of ensuring that our dear state is peaceful, well governed and to encourage the next generation of leaders to emerge.

“At the federal level, I am currently engaged with the responsibilities of my office as a Minister and how to ensure that the economic diversification goals of President Mohammadu Buhari for the country are achieved during this second term.

”At all times, I will be available to offer my advice, support and encouragement to all Nigerians who are serving and those who crave to serve in various capacities, especially those of Ekiti extraction.” the Minister said.