Power should shift to Ekiti South - Group

‘Equity for Ekiti', group has advocated for power shift to Ekiti South Senatorial District in next year’s governorship election.

In a statement by its Chairman and former state lawmaker, Afolabi Akanni, Secretary, Oluwafemi Alonge and Director of Communications, Kingsley Ogungbolude, stated that the zone should produce the next governor in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

They also added that the bond of unity from pre-colonial days led to the formation of the famed Ekiti Confederation, Pelupelu, by the rulers of 120 towns and villages.

According to Equity Group, the agitation for equal distribution of power among the local governments, senatorial districts and the state will shape future elections.

“Our members cut across the 177 wards. It is an idea conceptualised by political and opinion leaders around August 2020, officially inaugurated in December 2020. It was inaugurated with over 200 members with a minimum of 10 members per ward.

“Our aims are to demand equal distribution of democratic dividends in Ekiti, advocate, campaign and canvas support for a progressive Ekiti State, and to impress the role of equity in societal development, which is centred on fairness and justice for promotion of peaceful co-existence, unity, love and better development among Ekiti citizenry at home and in the diaspora for posterity.

“We urge political parties, opinion leaders, political actors and all interests to allow equity for Ekiti by ensuring that the next governorship tickets emerge from the South Senatorial District, regardless of political affiliation.

“We call on stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the founding fathers of our dear state, which also centres on selflessness, oneness, fairness, equity and justice by supporting this objective agitation.

“We admonish political leaders, actors and gladiators, particularly the two major contending parties, that is, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to beam their searchlight on the South Senatorial District to present governorship aspirants in the interest of fairness, equity and justice, to ensure a progressive Ekiti State,” Afolabi said.