Ekiti State Infrastructure and Utilities Commissioner Bamidele Faparusi resigned his appointment to challenge the 2022 state gubernatorial election.
Mr. Faparusi conveyed his resignation to Governor Kayode Fayemi in a letter dated December 14 and was reportedly acknowledged on December 17.
Copies of the letter were distributed to journalists at Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.
Mr. Faparusi had been a strong advocate for the change of power to the Ekiti Southern Senate District.
The letter reads in part: “It is my great pleasure to thank you for the vote of confidence placed in me to represent the Ayekire Local Council Development Area on the state Executive Council.
“It allowed me to serve as political head of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Services, which is fundamental to the development agenda of this administration.
“Under his proactive leadership, I had the unique opportunity to consolidate my related experience, broaden my perspective and develop skills in serving people.
“These are the basis for my decision to run for governor after extensive consultation with people and critical stakeholders.
“I want to convey my decision to resign from the government so that I can focus on the hard work that is required for our party to walk to victory at the polls.
“Excellency, I am very grateful to you and I especially take this opportunity to thank you for the guarantees of your unconditional support.
“Once again I reaffirm my loyalty and my commitment to the progress of our great game and Ekiti State.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest wishes.”
Mr. Faparusi was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011, where he represented the Ekiti East / Gbonyin / Emure federal constituency for four years.
He has been at the forefront of agitation over zoning the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial bid for the Ekiti South Senate District.
Others in the same vanguard argue that this was required in the spirit of fairness, justice, and fair play, as that part of the state had never produced a governor since its inception in 1996.
Mr. Faparusi is an engineer and a former member of the House of Representatives.
He becomes the second maximum appointed by Governor Fayemi to resign to contest the APC governor primary election scheduled for January 22, 2022.
The Secretary of the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, left the cabinet two weeks ago following a directive from Governor Fayemi that members of the cabinet seeking the post of governor must resign on or before December 18.
The number of politicians who have so far shown interest in the post of governor overall has risen to about 30.
(YAYA)