Members of the political class in Ekiti State have been warned against constituting unnecessary distractions to Governor Biodun Oyebanji through early declaration of interest in the 2030 governorship contest.

President Bola Tinubu who gave the warning said such a declaration could cause internal contradictions capable of derailing governance.

Speaking on Sunday during a special second-term inauguration thanksgiving service, held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu appealed to politicians to consider the state’s interest, rather than having a primordial entitlement of being eligible to contest for the governorship seat.

The President, represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Oyebanji for ending the first term.

He urged the governor to continue to pilot the affairs of the state with the spirit of inclusivity and respect for all citizens as demonstrated in the first term.

The President said, “To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early.

On his part, Governor Oyebanji promised to undertake more transformative initiatives to rejig the economy and tackle poverty, unemployment and deprivation as his second term begins.

Oyebanji and his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term at an inauguration ceremony held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Friday.