By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have officially declared their unwavering support for Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s chosen candidate ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
This declaration of support was made during a meeting at the PDP State Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, where state executives, all local government chairmen, and ward representatives from all 16 local government areas convened to affirm Oluyede’s candidacy.
Rt. Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, the PDP State Chairman, highlighted the significance of the meeting, which aimed to address and dispel misleading narratives from outside influences that sought to undermine the results of the recent primary election.
He emphasized the unity within the party, affirming Oluyede’s position as the sole candidate.
“The antics of mischief-makers associated with the APC have been noted,” Odeyemi stated, calling for solidarity among party members.
Odeyemi expressed confidence in the party’s prospects of defeating incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, rejecting the notion that incumbency would shield Oyebanji from defeat.
“We are committed to alleviating the hardships faced by the people of Ekiti. Our mobilization efforts are underway. I urge the governor to start preparing his handover notes,” he asserted.
Moreover, Hon. Micheal Oke, a member of the PDP National Board of Trustees, commended the party’s unity and called for reconciliation among supporters of various aspirants.
“We can no longer afford divisions. The primary is concluded; now we must work together towards victory,” he urged.
Former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, echoed this sentiment, affirming the party’s resilience during challenging times. He declared, “Our candidate is Dr. Oluyede. Any suggestion to the contrary does not align with our reality.”
Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, a former deputy governorship candidate, stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization. He encouraged members to advocate for Oluyede in their communities, stating, “Anyone working against Oluyede is not part of our party; they serve the interests of the APC.”
Among other party leaders expressing their support were Hon. Micheal Oke, local government chairpersons Oluyemi Ajanaku, NEC member Chief Adeola Ogunrinde, and Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi.
Following the meeting, Dr. Oluyede emphasized the significance of unity within the party post-primaries, stating, “We are all winners. With this level of support, victory is within reach.”
He did not hold back in criticizing Governor Oyebanji’s administration, claiming it had been characterised by “three years of misgovernance,” pointing to unfinished projects, deteriorating healthcare, and soaring unemployment rates as evidence.
Oluyede also addressed potential concerns regarding national-level issues within the PDP, assuring supporters that such matters would not derail his campaign.
“Politics is local. I am focused on serving the people of Ekiti, and the national party has capable individuals to manage its challenges,” he reaffirmed.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting the date for the Ekiti gubernatorial election on June 20, 2026, Dr. Oluyede is poised to take on incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to reclaim Oke Ayoba for the opposition.
