THE Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake has denied reports and insinuations in some quarters that he would be contesting the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti state under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The minister was reacting to the trending poster and flyers in some social media platforms where he is positioned as a gubernatorial aspirant in the state with the inscription ‘Take it Back’ and his picture.
But Alake, from Ikoro-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of the state, in a statement on Monday by his Special Assistant on media, Segun Tomori, described the poster as “fake”, urging the people to disregard it, “ I have no interest to run for governorship election in Ekiti State, either now or in the future.”
The minister added that he is committed to the fulfilment of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the country especially in the solid mineral sector and would not be distracted by the antics of some individuals.
He declared his support to the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji in his efforts at transforming the state, and that he would continue to contribute to the development of Ekiti state.
See full statement below:
Press Statement
The attention of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake has been drawn to a poster that is circulating on social media and across WhatsApp groups where he is positioned as a gubernatorial aspirant in Ekiti State with the inscription ‘Take it Back’.
The general public is hereby informed that Dr. Alake has no interest to run for governorship election in Ekiti State, either now or in the future.
The poster in circulation does not have his approval as he does not know the people behind it. It is fake and should be discarded.
It is unconscionable that the Honourable Minister who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State.
The Honourable Minister is a busy man, working tirelessly on how to make the solid minerals sector a major revenue earner for the country and for the sector to create thousands of high paying jobs for Nigerians.
Dr. Dele Alake is committed to his current national assignment. He is working to transform the solid minerals sector to justify the absolute confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu.
We want to state clearly that the Honourable Minister will not be distracted by the antics of disgruntled elements.
He supports the current administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti and as a proud son of the soil, Dr. Alake will continue to contribute to the growth and progress of Ekiti State.
Segun Tomori
Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals
January 29, 2024