Ekiti 2026 : PDP stakeholders sign Oluyede's nomination form ahead primary election

By Idowu Adebomi

The gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the 2026 election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has obtained his nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the party's primary election slated for November this year.

The aspirant, reiterated his determination to unseat the Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, and the ruling APC from the government house in the forthcoming poll.

Party leaders, chairmen, coordinators, women leaders and other party faithful from across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state converged at Ikere- Ekiti, the country home of the aspirant to append their signatures, a prerequisite for the submission of the same forms.

Speaking at the gathering, the former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kolawole Oluwawole, expressed his happiness at the development and described it as a step in the right direction.

" We are super happy today that despite the plans of some internal and external forces to frustrate our efforts we have done what they think is unthinkable.

"What we are doing here today is to follow the guidelines of the party and INEC to ensure we do not run foul of the established laws. We thank God for giving us a formidable, competent and vibrant aspirant in Dr Wole Oluyede and we are very confident of victory both in the primary and governorship elections."

The former Speaker, who expressed  displeasure at the exorbitant price of N40 million nomination form, N10 million expression of interest form and N million administrative charges making a total of N51 million, maintained that the hurdles will only strengthen the camp of and candidacy of Dr Wole Oluyede in the primary election.

" We are unfazed by the various forms of tactics employed by some persons and we have surprised them by getting the forms and today we have our card carrying members who have signed at the appropriate places on the forms, this is the beginning of victory ," he enthused.

He also used the occasion to call on  Nigerians particularly Ekiti residents to vote out the government of APC in the forthcoming poll, accusing the party of increasing hunger, poverty, joblessness, suffering and insecurity in the state and country.

" We are calling on our good Ekiti people to reject this government of deceit, lies and packaged propaganda. The people are suffering and the government of the day is doing nothing to alleviate the suffering of the masses and so we have provided the best alternative in Dr Wole Oluyede, who will not only restore Ekiti to its rightful place but also put smiles on the faces of the people," he concluded.

A chieftain of the PDP in the state, Mr Martins Ajayi Ibikunle, from Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, one of the party members who signed the nomination form said the procedures for the primary will be different from what was obtained in the past as the method of voting will be transparent and not hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

When asked about the chances of Oluyede in winning the primary and possibly the gubernatorial elections, Ibikunle maintained that the Ikere born politician stands the better chance of not only winning in the primary but also in the governorship elections.

" You can see what happened here today, if we want more signatories we will get them. This shows that Dr Wole Oluyede is accepted in and outside the party and by the grace of God victory is ours."

In his own words, the Spokesperson of the aspirant, Mr. Gani Salau, dismissed insinuations of disunity in Ekiti PDP, and assured of Oluyede's victory in the primary election. 

" We are on ground in Ekiti and this is just a step of what is to come when the time is ripe. Dr Wole Oluyede is the right candidate, though, we have other people contesting as well, but at the end they will still come around to work with our candidate at the end of the primary."

Salau described the news of internal strife within the PDP in the state as unfounded and untrue while declaring that such persons who might want to sow the seeds of discord have already left the party.

"Those 'PDAPC' are no longer with us and so they can no longer cause any strife and and I am happy they are getting what they deserve in the other camp, but as for us in Oluyede's team we will not only win the primary but also win the governorship elections as well."

Salau noted that the PDP is putting its house in order and that the party is well positioned to rewrite history by ousting the incumbent governor Biodun Oyebanji from office.

" For now, we are very well prepared and I am assuring you that all the other aspirants are united that even after the primary they will still come together to work for whoever emerges which we are very sure will be Dr Wole Oluyede.

"We have all signed and entrusted our confidence in a man who can do it and do it well. You cannot deny that Ekiti people are wallowing in poverty, hunger  joblessness and suffering. Oluyede is poised and ready to bring the changes we need and we will surely oust this Oyebanji and the APC out in the forthcoming elections," he concluded.