By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun preparations for the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State by inaugurating ad hoc delegates ahead of the party’s primary election.

A seven-member panel, led by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, chaired and inaugurated the ad hoc delegates to oversee the exercise.

The delegates were drawn from the 177 wards across the state’s sixteen Local Government Areas, with each ward represented by three members—two males and one female.

Addressing governorship aspirants, party leaders, and stakeholders at the PDP secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, Senator Ningi explained that the delegates’ responsibilities include supervising the primary, ensuring proper documentation, and maintaining transparency.

He urged party members to remain united and called on aspirants to embrace love and solidarity to enable the PDP to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2026.

“We want to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party, and that means following laid-down rules to avoid running foul of the law. This exercise is not about any particular candidate—it is about laying a strong foundation for Ekiti PDP. Our mindset is what is good for this state,” Senator Ningi said.

The lawmaker emphasised that the PDP is a national party beyond personalities, highlighting the party’s history of providing opportunities to leaders from all regions, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“This is Ekiti. We do not currently hold the governorship or Senate seat here, so what we have is sacrifice and service to the people. The ad hoc delegates elected will represent everyone fairly, and we must ensure the process is free of acrimony,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, Chairman of the PDP in Ekiti State, described the nomination and inauguration of the ad hoc delegates as critical to the success of the forthcoming primary. He stressed that the committee is tasked with managing the election to guarantee a smooth and transparent process.

“I believe in transparency. The calibre of people sent from Abuja ensures integrity throughout this process. The collated results are properly vetted, signed, and documented from all wards. There is no secrecy or hanky-panky here. This is all in the interest of Ekiti PDP,” Odeyemi said.

He urged party members to avoid actions that could cause disunity, adding that with the cooperation of members and support from national leaders, the PDP will reclaim the government house.

One of the governorship aspirants, Hon. Funso Ayeni, expressed confidence in the party’s path toward defeating the incumbent administration in 2026. He criticised the state government for poor grassroots development, bad roads, unemployment, and poverty.

“Despite huge allocations to the state, the current governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has not commissioned tangible projects in three years. We are determined to change that in the next election,” Ayeni said.

Ayeni also expressed confidence in the ad hoc committee’s fairness and transparency during the primary.

The seven-member panel chaired by Senator Ningi includes Rt. Hon. Fred Agbedi (Secretary), Barr. Dupe Aisida (Member), Hon. Gbolayemi Ogunseye (Member), Mrs. Folasade Esan (Member), Ternia Bergha (Supportive Staff), and Suleiman Zubkar (Supportive Staff).

The committee visited several wards across local governments, receiving warm receptions from party members committed to the party’s success.

Ekiti PDP has four governorship aspirants for the upcoming primary: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Hon. Funso Ayeni, Dr. Peter Obafemi, and Hon. (Mrs.) Funmi Ogun.