Ekiti 2022: I’m not interested in governorship race – Adebayo

By Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and one time Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo (CON) has said that his name should not be dragged into the governorship race of Ekiti State in 2022.

He said he is not interested in becoming the governor, as he is currently being occupied by a national assignment as a Minister in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adebayo, who was elected as governor between 1999 and 2003 in a statement in Abuja on Monday through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Julius Toba-Jegede dissociated himself from some billboards across Ado Ekiti, the state capital and other strategic locations across the state by some political groups, clamouring on him to join the race in view of what they described as his good leadership traits.

Reacting to the development, the Minister appreciated the calls from various pressure groups, but told them that he would rather be focused on his current assignment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he is helping President Muhammadu Buhari to achieve his goals for all Nigerians during this second term.

Read Also: Fayemi names Babalola, Adebayo, Fayose, Oni in COVID-19 committee

“I am aware of the recent development of people agitating for me to contest the governorship of Ekiti State in 2022.

“With every sense of humility and respect, I want to thank them for believing in me. However, I must state clearly that I am not interested in the running for the office of governor of Ekiti State again.

“As a leader, it was a privilege to serve Ekiti as its First Executive Governor where I did my best leaving behind verifiable legacy projects.

“My interest now is to continue playing my leadership role of ensuring that our dear state is peaceful, well governed and to encourage the next generation of leaders to emerge.

“At the federal level, I am currently engaged with the responsibilities of my office as a Minister and how to ensure that the economic diversification goals of President Muhammadu Buhari for the country are achieved during this second term.

“At all times, I will be available to offer my advice, support and encouragement to all Nigerians who are serving and those who crave to serve in various capacities, especially those of Ekiti extraction,” the Minister said.