Ekiti 2026: Wike, Saraki, Natasha, other PDP heavyweights storm Ado-Ekiti for Oluyede's grand finale rally

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to stage a major political show of strength in Ekiti State as prominent national leaders of the party converge on Ado-Ekiti for the grand finale rally of its governorship candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Wole Oluyede Campaign Organisation, Idowu Adelusi, the rally is expected to attract an array of influential PDP figures from across the country, underscoring the party's determination to reclaim power in the state.

Leading the delegation is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is expected to be joined by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Other notable party stalwarts billed for the event include Senator Abdul Ningi, former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido; former Information Minister, Jerry Gana; and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

The party's National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, is also expected to attend alongside the National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and PDP chairmen from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Members of the party's Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, are equally expected at the rally, alongside Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Senator Jubril Wali, and Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

The statement noted that the rally marks the climax of an extensive statewide campaign by Oluyede and PDP leaders, who have toured all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State canvassing support and presenting their agenda to voters.

Throughout the campaign, Oluyede unveiled a broad development blueprint focused on infrastructure, security, economic growth, healthcare, and local government reforms.

A key component of his manifesto is the establishment of an Independent Power Plant aimed at ensuring stable electricity supply across the state. He also pledged to strengthen security by constructing police stations in strategic border communities and other vulnerable areas to combat kidnapping, banditry, and related crimes.

The PDP candidate further promised to improve road connectivity through the construction of circular roads designed to ease movement and stimulate economic activities across the state.

To boost economic development, Oluyede said his administration would establish cooperative societies to provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs and small business owners while reducing what he described as excessive taxation on businesses.

The medical consultant-turned-politician also pledged regular capacity-building programmes for civil servants, prompt attention to pension and gratuity arrears, and substantial investment in the healthcare sector to improve service delivery and generate additional revenue for the state.

He added that tourism development would be prioritised as part of efforts to increase the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while traditional rulers would be given enhanced roles in governance and community security.

On grassroots development, Oluyede promised to grant full autonomy to local government councils, allowing them greater control over their resources and development priorities.

The PDP said its campaign rallies across the 16 local government areas have witnessed impressive turnout from supporters, expressing confidence that the momentum generated would translate into victory at the polls on June 20.

With the arrival of some of the party's most influential figures for the grand finale rally, political observers believe the event will serve as a major test of the PDP's grassroots appeal and readiness to challenge for power in Ekiti State.