“I Have No Interest Now To Contest Ekiti Governorship Election – Dele Alake

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake, has clarified his position as regards the Governorship contest in Ekiti in 2026.

Alake, an indigene of Ikoro Ekiti, Central Senatorial District had once had a shot at the Senatorial seat before he was compelled to step down for Babafemi Ojodu.

Alake has, since his first attempt, gone into the cooler as regards politics of Ekiti state until he was recently appointed a Minister by President Bola Tinubu to take the State’s slot.

Even with the appointment, he rarely visits the State but some social media handlers have been posting that he would contest for the Governorship after the first tenure of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Alake, however, in a statement on Monday explained:  “The general public is hereby informed that Dr. Alake has no interest to run for governorship election in Ekiti State, either now or in the future.

The statement signed on his behalf by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media stated that “The poster in circulation does not have his approval as he does not know the people behind it. It is fake and should be discarded.

“It is unconscionable that the Honourable Minister who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State.

“The Honourable Minister is a busy man, working tirelessly on how to make the solid minerals sector a major revenue earner for the country and for the sector to create thousands of high paying jobs for Nigerians.

“Dr. Dele Alake is committed to his current national assignment. He is working to transform the solid minerals sector to justify the absolute confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu.

“We want to state clearly that the Honourable Minister will not be distracted by the antics of disgruntled elements.

“He supports the current administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti and as a proud son of the soil, Dr. Alake will continue to contribute to the growth and progress of Ekiti State.”