The former Governor of Ekiti State and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has strongly criticized the unauthorized endorsement of certain individuals for National Assembly (NASS) seats ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released to clarify his position, the former governor described the purported endorsements as “premature, divisive, and a distraction” from the current task of governance. Dr. Fayemi emphasized that neither he nor any formal organ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sanctioned the promotion of specific aspirants for the Senate or House of Representatives, maintaining that such actions undermine the democratic process and the party’s internal cohesion.
The controversy erupted following social media reports and local political gatherings in Ekiti State where some groups claimed to have received the “blessing” of Dr. Fayemi to begin campaigning for the 2027 legislative tickets. These claims led to friction within the party, with loyalists of various potential candidates expressing concerns over a lack of a level playing field. Addressing these developments, the former governor noted that it is far too early to be preoccupied with 2027 politics when the incumbent administration is still in its early stages. He urged party members and political stakeholders to prioritize supporting the current government’s developmental goals rather than engaging in “succession theater” that could alienate the electorate.
Dr. Fayemi, who also served as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, stressed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has established procedures for selecting candidates, which include consultations, screenings, and primary elections. He cautioned that “purported endorsements” by self-serving groups often create unnecessary tension and could lead to the factionalization of the party. According to his aides, the former governor is currently focused on his roles as a global statesman and his academic engagements, and he remains committed to ensuring that the party remains a unified force capable of delivering on its promises to the people of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
Political analysts in the region view Fayemi’s disclaimer as a strategic move to maintain his role as a neutral arbiter and “kingmaker” within the state’s political landscape. By distancing himself from early endorsements, he preserves the integrity of the party’s future primary processes and avoids a direct confrontation with other power blocs within the APC. Observers note that Ekiti politics is particularly sensitive to perceived “impositions,” and Fayemi’s insistence on due process is seen as a way to manage the diverse interests of the “National Assembly” hopefuls without causing a premature internal crisis.
The broader implications of this development highlight the perennial challenge of “perpetual campaigning” in Nigerian politics, where discussions for the next election cycle often begin immediately after the conclusion of the last one. Dr. Fayemi’s stance serves as a call for political maturity and a reminder that the primary duty of the political class is service to the people, not the continuous pursuit of elective office. As the 2027 timeline slowly approaches, the focus in Ekiti will likely remain on whether other leaders will follow Fayemi’s lead in discouraging early politicking or if the “endorsement fever” will continue to spread across the various senatorial districts.
