The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Oluwole Oluyede, has rejected claims that the June 20, 2026 governorship election will be a mere coronation, describing such assertions as undemocratic and dismissive of the electorate’s will.
Oluyede stated that Ekiti operates under a constitutional democracy where leadership is determined through credible elections, not predetermined outcomes.
He stressed that the forthcoming poll would be a competitive contest rather than a ceremonial endorsement of any candidate.
The PDP flagbearer made his position known in a statement issued by his media aide, Gani Salau, on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti.
The election is expected to feature candidates from 13 political parties, including the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recent insinuations in some quarters have suggested that the poll would be a walkover for Oyebanji.
However, Oluyede dismissed such narratives, particularly reacting to a publication titled “Ekiti ’26: June 20 will be coronation, not election day for BAO”.
He described the article as “self-indulgent and intellectually dishonest”, accusing its author of promoting misleading conclusions ahead of the election.
According to him, portraying the election as a foregone conclusion is not only dangerous but could also discourage voter participation and erode democratic principles.
He noted that such claims raise serious concerns about respect for the electorate and the integrity of the democratic process.
“Ekiti is not a kingdom, and June 20, 2026 cannot be reduced to a coronation. It will be a contest of ideas, credibility, and the free will of the people,” Oluyede said, adding that residents of the state have a long-standing reputation for making independent political choices.
The PDP candidate also challenged portrayals of the current administration as flawless, pointing to what he described as persistent socio-economic challenges in the state.
He cited unemployment, struggling small businesses, and inadequate infrastructure in rural communities as pressing issues requiring urgent government attention.
Oluyede further dismissed claims that opposition parties in Ekiti are irrelevant, arguing that opposition remains a critical pillar of democracy by ensuring accountability and providing alternative governance options for voters.
Reaffirming his stance on democratic principles, he emphasised that leadership must be earned through the people’s mandate rather than imposed through elite consensus or political endorsements.
He urged all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and political actors, to adhere strictly to their constitutional roles to guarantee a credible and transparent election.
Oluyede also called on Ekiti residents to remain vigilant and exercise their voting rights without fear or intimidation, insisting that the outcome of the election must reflect the genuine will of the people.
“Ekiti belongs to its people. June 20, 2026, will not be a coronation; it will be a decision made by the people,” he added.
