-
Ekiti PDP leaders reject INEC’s exclusion of Wole Oluyede from governorship candidates list.
-
Party chieftains vow to overturn the decision ahead of June 20 election.
-
PDP insists Oluyede remains its validly elected candidate.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) exclusion of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, from the list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 election, insisting the decision will not stand.
The PDP chieftains expressed confidence that Oluyede would eventually contest the election and secure victory for the party in the state.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
They spoke on Friday at Igede Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during a meeting involving PDP leaders from across the state and party members from the town’s three political wards.
A former chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Toba Adaramola, described Oluyede as a formidable candidate whose popularity, he said, prompted attempts to edge him out.
“Don’t worry, the situation is under control. You can take it to the bank that Dr Wole Oluyede is our candidate for the June 20, 2026, governorship election,” Adaramola said.
He assured the party of massive votes from Igede Ekiti, noting that the town had historically remained a PDP stronghold and would again deliver for the party.
READ ALSO: PDP Vows Strong Comeback in 2026 Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former PDP state chairman and ex–South-West zonal chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, urged party members not to be discouraged by the development, expressing optimism that Oluyede would emerge victorious.
“By God’s grace, our party and candidate will be the next landlord of the Government House in Ekiti State,” Ogundipe said.
Also speaking, PDP chieftain Elder Martins Ibikunle praised Igede Ekiti leaders for spearheading mobilisation efforts after the party’s primary election.
Similarly, the spokesperson of the Wole Oluyede Campaign Organisation, Gani Salau, appealed to supporters to remain calm, insisting that Oluyede remained the PDP’s legitimate candidate despite attempts by detractors to remove his name.
Recall that Oluyede had faulted INEC’s action after the commission released its list of candidates on Tuesday, excluding both the PDP and its flagbearer.
INEC has scheduled the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026, with the final list of candidates expected to be published on January 19, 2026.
