Ekiti 2026: PRP Denies Withdrawal Rumours, Insists Guber Candidate Ayodele Remains in race

 

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Ekiti State has dismissed reports suggesting that its governorship candidate, Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise (AOP), has stepped down from the June 20, 2026 governorship election, describing the claim as false, misleading and the handiwork of mischief makers.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting State Chairman of the party, Comrade (Aq.) Teniola Akande, the PRP said Pastor Praise remains firmly in the race and is fully committed to contesting the election.

The party said there was no agreement, arrangement or decision by its candidate to withdraw from the governorship contest in favour of any other candidate or political party.

According to Akande, the party's attention was drawn to rumours circulating in some quarters alleging that Pastor Praise had stepped down ahead of the election.

"The attention of the party has been drawn to false information making the rounds regarding our candidate stepping down. We want to state categorically that this is completely untrue. Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise (AOP) remains our candidate, and the PRP remains fully committed to the June 20 Governorship Election," the statement read.

The party urged its members, supporters and the general public to disregard the rumour and rely only on official communications from the PRP.

Akande maintained that the party's campaign machinery remains active, while supporters across the state are mobilised ahead of Saturday's poll.

He added that all preparations for the election were ongoing and that the party was determined to offer Ekiti voters what it described as a credible alternative.

"We are in this race by conviction, by commitment, and by the grace of God. The PRP is not stepping down for anyone. We are fully on the ballot and focused on offering Ekiti people a credible choice," he stated.

The party further appealed to its supporters to remain calm, united and focused as the state prepares to elect a new governor.

The PRP's clarification comes amid heightened political activities and last-minute realignments ahead of the governorship election, with political parties intensifying efforts to mobilise voters across the state.

Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise is one of the candidates contesting Saturday's governorship election alongside candidates of other major political parties seeking to govern the state for the next four years.