A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I seat in the House of Representatives, Pastor Yemi Olayinka, has declared that he is not intimidated by the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Steve Fatoba.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the grand finale of the campaign tour of Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 gubernatorial election, Olayinka described the current representation of the constituency as inadequate and stated that “Fatoba’s time is up.”
Olayinka noted that the incumbent had served two terms and should allow fresh leadership to emerge.
“The current occupant has served two terms already, and in our local understanding, we believe that is enough. Without condemning anyone, I believe the level of representation our people deserve is greater than what is currently being offered, and that is what we intend to provide,” he said.
The aspirant said his ambition was driven by the desire to offer better representation to the people of Ado-Ekiti and Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government Areas. He expressed confidence in securing the support of party members ahead of the APC primary, citing over two decades of commitment to the development and progress of Ado-Ekiti.
“Ado will support me because I have always been committed to the Ado cause. For the past 25 years, I have dedicated myself to the progress, policies, and development of Ado-Ekiti. Anything concerning Ado has always been my priority, and I am confident that the people will stand by me,” Olayinka stated.
He also pledged support for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, expressing confidence that residents of Ado-Ekiti would vote massively for the governor in recognition of his administration’s developmental projects. He cited achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, including road construction, bridges, improvements at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), and the renovation of schools.
Olayinka urged residents to remain united and support security agencies with credible information to prevent criminal activities. He also condemned vote-buying, describing it as illegal and contrary to the disciplined and principled values of Ekiti people.
“As an indigene and stakeholder in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, I can assure you that Ado will vote massively for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2026. We are prepared, we are ready, and we are supporting the developmental strides of the current administration. Money is not everything to us. When people truly love and trust a leader, they will support that person willingly and wholeheartedly,” he added.
