Ahead of the governorship election in Ekiti Saturday, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has withdrawn support for its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi and adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was announced by the SDP State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

According to him, the endorsement followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the 16 local government areas of the state.

He said that the SDP carefully assessed all candidates in the election and concluded that the governor had demonstrated strong leadership and total commitment to the state’s development.

“On behalf of all members of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State, I formally and enthusiastically endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, in their bid for re-election in Saturday’s governorship election.

“This decision was not taken lightly. It followed broad consultations and a thorough evaluation of the political landscape as well as the performance of the various candidates seeking the mandate of the people.”

He said that the party’s decision was further influenced by what he described as the inactivity of its candidate, whom he said failed to effectively engage party members or mount a visible campaign after emerging as the party’s flag bearer through a substitution process.

He said that the party could not in good conscience continue to support a candidate who had failed to demonstrate the commitment and capacity required for such an important electoral contest.

He said Oyebanji’s good record in office convinced the party that continuity would serve the best interests of the Ekiti people.

The governor he noted, had shown transparency, humility and responsiveness in the management of state affairs, adding that many of the ongoing developmental projects across the state deserved sufficient time to be completed and maximised for the benefit of residents.

He said: “Continuity is very crucial. There are several projects and programmes currently being implemented by the Oyebanji administration that require sustained support to achieve their full impact. As a responsible political party, we believe the interests of Ekiti State should come before partisan considerations.

“As a party, we openly declare our support for our Omoluabi Governor, and we are committing our structure and supporters to deliver at least 25,000 votes for him in the election,” he stated.

However, he  raised concerns over an alleged invasion of the party secretariat by suspected hoodlums, claiming that some individuals stormed the premises on June 17 armed with dangerous weapons and carted away sensitive party materials.

He urged the security agencies, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police overseeing the governorship election, to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.