Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, following a closely contested primary election held in Ado-Ekiti.
Oluyede, a native of Ikere-Ekiti in the Southern Senatorial District, defeated two other aspirants in the indirect primary which concluded in the early hours of Sunday.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee and former Gombe State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, declared that Oluyede polled 279 votes, beating Dr. Funsho Ayeni, who garnered 239 votes, and Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, who secured 17 votes.
A fourth aspirant, Otunba Peter Obafemi, withdrew from the race shortly before voting commenced.
The exercise, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies, was largely peaceful and orderly.
Dankwambo commended the delegates, aspirants, and stakeholders for their maturity and commitment to a credible process.
Oluyede Promises Unity and Victory for PDP
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Oluyede expressed appreciation to the party delegates for entrusting him with the mandate, promising to justify their confidence and reposition the PDP to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2026 election.
“I want to call on all our members to remain committed to the task ahead,” Oluyede said. “In today’s election, there are no losers; we are all partners in progress and champions of democracy. This victory is proof that internal democracy is alive in our great party.”
He extended a hand of reconciliation to his co-contestants, urging them to join forces with him in the “collective mission to liberate Ekiti” and restore what he described as “responsive governance to the people.”
Dissent and Reactions from Opponents
While most stakeholders hailed the peaceful conduct of the primary, Dr. Funsho Ayeni, who came second, voiced his dissatisfaction with the outcome.
“It is an internal thing, and it is not perfect,” Ayeni said. “I will seek redress internally. This is just the beginning, and there are channels within the party which I will explore to seek justice.”
Party Leaders Commend Process
The PDP Chairman in Ekiti State, Tunji Odeyemi, described the primary as transparent and credible, commending all aspirants and delegates for their discipline.
“A winner has emerged, and the process was free and fair,” Odeyemi said. “Our focus now is to unite the party and prepare for victory in the general election. The leaders will reach out to any disgruntled members so that together, we can achieve success at the polls.”
Eyes on 2026 Governorship Election
With his emergence, Oluyede is set to face the incumbent governor and candidate of the APC, Biodun Oyebanji, along with other contenders, in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Observers say Oluyede’s victory marks a significant shift within the PDP, as the party seeks to consolidate its base and mount a strong challenge against the ruling party in Ekiti State.
