.Erelu Elebute-Halle’s joining APC will benefit our people, says Dr. Oyebanji
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate in the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, to formally inform her of her intent to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Erelu Elebute-Halle said she was attracted into the APC by the exemplary leadership style, down-to-earth nature, inclusivity and humility of Governor Biodun Oyebanji since he assumed power on October 16, 2022.
Erelu Elebute-Halle declared that she is now loyal to Governor Oyebanji henceforth and would now give him the full support in the task to transform Ekiti and make the state a place its citizens can be proud of anywhere they find themselves.
The visit of Erelu Elebute-Halle to the First Lady was part of the formalities that would lead to her official public declaration for the APC expected to take place in few days’ time. She was joined on the visit by the state ADP Chairman, Chief Femi Eponlolaye.
The former governorship flag bearer also showered encomium on the Governor’s wife for her kindheartedness, compassion and generosity to the less privileged people which she noted has complemented the good works of her husband.
Apparently impressed with the impact of Dr. Oyebanji’s pet project Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) in the grassroots, Erelu Elebute-Halle made a cash donation in support of the project to the admiration of her host.
The engineer-turned politician disclosed that her decision to join the ruling APC was a product of wide consultations with prominent political figures in the state across party lines and her teeming supporters which she believed was for the good of the state.
According to her, Governor Oyebanji’s act of reaching out to opponents who contested against him at the 2022 governorship poll including herself was an uncommon act of statesmanship which she accepted because she is not a bitter politician.
Erelu Elebute-Halle said Governor Oyebanji’s performance is gradually turning Ekiti into a one-party state for positive reasons adding that the feedback from the grassroots indicate that he is doing well in making a difference in the state.
“Governor Oyebanji is not a boss, he is a leader and Ekiti operates a one-party system in which his humility, respect for the people and good governance are complementing the good works he is doing.
“I have carefully considered it that I would like to cross to the APC. I am joining the APC because of the humility and respect of your husband and I am pledging my loyalty to you, your husband and I am ready to support your husband henceforth.
“I am also joining the APC because of the way you people are piloting the affairs of Ekiti t. You are doing well, we are ready to support you and I am ready to be part of your progressive move.
“Behind a successful man is a successful woman and behind a successful governor, is a successful woman. I respect and admire you a lot for the great things you are doing in supporting your husband to do wonderful things he is doing for our state,” Erelu Elebute-Halle said.
In her response, Dr. Oyebanji expressed delight with the decision of Erelu Elebute-Halle to join the APC to partner with a government led by the progressives party to make the lives of the people of Ekiti better.
The First Lady who assured the former ADP governorship candidate that she would not regret her decision emphasized that she (Erelu Elebute-Halle) is not a stranger to her husband.
Dr. Oyebanji said: “I pray that your partnership will be fruitful. I love you and what you represent. You are not a stranger to BAO because of your experience in politics.
“My husband used to tell me that in politics, every vote counts and everybody is important in politics. Your coming is for the betterment of our people. You are at home with me and I want to specially welcome you.
“BAO is on a mission to make Ekiti better and have a positive impact on the lives of the people of the state and it can only get better.”