Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

A United Kingdom-based academic and retired Ekiti civil servant, Dr. Samuel Babatola Ayiti, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijero Ekiti, declaring support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Dr. Ayiti announced his membership on Monday during the APC ward meeting at Eyigbo Street, Ijero Ekiti Ward C, where party leaders and supporters received him into the fold.

Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

Speaking at the gathering, he praised the leadership of Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging party members to close ranks and intensify mobilisation efforts across communities. He stressed that unity at the grassroots would determine the party’s performance at the polls.

“We must stay committed and deliver our ward convincingly,” he said, calling on members to expand outreach and consolidate support within their neighbourhoods.

Dr. Ayiti said his delayed formal entry into partisan politics stemmed from restrictions tied to his years in the civil service. Now retired, he described his decision as timely and deliberate.

“This is the right moment to fully align with what I believe in,” he said, adding that he had consistently supported the APC during previous elections.

Party officials, led by ward chairman, Mrs.  Ade Babalogbon, described his defection as a strategic gain for the party in Ijero Ekiti. They expressed confidence that his experience and network would strengthen ongoing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

The meeting ended with a formal welcome and renewed calls for unity, as Dr. Ayiti pledged to play an active role in the party’s local campaign structure.