Buhari’s Minister Denies Eyeing Fayemi’s Job

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, has denied reports that he is planning to contest the Ekiti State governorship election in 2022.

Adebayo, who served as the first elected governor of Ekiti State from 1999 to 2003, said he had no intention of returning to the Government House.

The minister made his position known in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Julius Toba-Jegede.

His clarification followed the appearance of billboards in Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the state urging him to join the governorship race.

Some political and pressure groups had reportedly promoted Adebayo as a possible candidate, citing what they described as his leadership qualities and previous record in office.

Adebayo thanked those calling on him to contest but said his priority remained his current responsibilities in the Federal Government.

“I am aware of the recent developments about people agitating for me to contest the governorship of Ekiti State in 2022,” he said.

“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 running for the Office of Governor of Ekiti State again.”

Adebayo said he considered it a privilege to have served as Ekiti’s first executive governor and maintained that his administration left behind projects and achievements that could be assessed by residents.

He said his present interest was to continue contributing to peace, good governance and the emergence of a new generation of leaders in the state.

At the federal level, Adebayo said he was focused on his ministerial duties and supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic diversification agenda.

He added that he would remain available to offer advice, encouragement and support to Nigerians seeking to serve in public office, particularly those from Ekiti State.

The minister therefore urged his supporters and political groups to respect his decision not to contest the 2022 governorship election.