Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, a prominent aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently refuted claims suggesting the party’s demise. Oluyede expressed strong confidence that the PDP is poised for a significant comeback and is well-positioned to secure victory at the upcoming polls.

Dr. Oluyede emphasized that the people of Ekiti State harbor deep trust and unwavering confidence in the PDP, as well as in his personal ambition to lead. He boldly declared that the PDP is fully prepared to challenge and ultimately defeat the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s governorship contest. These assertions were made during a reception organized by enthusiastic party members and key stakeholders in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area, shortly after he publicly declared his intention to run in his ward.

During his address, Oluyede voiced profound concern over the escalating hardship faced by the populace, attributing these challenges directly to the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He critically assessed the governor’s three-year tenure, stating unequivocally that it has failed the people across all vital sectors of the economy, painting a grim picture of the state’s current socio-economic landscape.

“The PDP in Ekiti is very much alive and stands ready to confront any political force, aiming to claim victory in the 2026 governorship poll. Anyone who suggests that the PDP is dead is completely out of touch with the current reality,” Oluyede asserted. He further highlighted the visible support he has garnered, stating, “As you can clearly see, the people have already made their choice, and that choice is Oluyede and the PDP.”

Oluyede did not shy away from directly criticizing the current leadership, remarking, “Oyebanji has tried, but we’ll send him back to Ikogosi.” He reiterated his long-held stance on entering politics, explaining, “I’ve always said one thing: the only reason Wole Oluyede will run for office in Ekiti is because nothing works. Can anybody truly say their lives are better today than they were four years ago? I sincerely do not know anyone who can honestly make that claim.” He lamented the perceived decline, stating, “Four years ago, the roads were better, people were happier, and their lives were better. But what have we had? Four wasted years. That is the only reason I’m running — to make life demonstrably better for our people.”

Reflecting on the lack of development in his ancestral home, he passionately shared, “This is my homestead. The first time I came here was in 1970, when I was about seven years old. Sadly, I can’t see any real change since then. Nobody has even changed their rooftops. That is how dire the situation is.” He pointed to fundamental infrastructural deficiencies, saying, “There’s no running water, no tarred roads, houses are collapsing. Is that what we call growth? Is that a sign of progress? That is precisely why I am running, and I will continue to run until things genuinely improve for our community.”

When questioned about the potential implications of recent defections from the PDP to other political parties, the medical doctor dismissed their significance. He clarified his view on political mobility, stating, “Political parties operate on a principle of free entry and free exit. If you hold a disagreement, you are free to leave. Our party in Ekiti faces no fundamental problem.” He downplayed the impact of those who left, characterizing them as individuals who “couldn’t find their footing” and noting that their numbers are few. He firmly concluded that these defections do not, in any way, shake the foundational strength of the PDP.

Concluding his declaration, Dr. Wole Oluyede formally announced, “I hereby declare my intention to run.” He expressed unwavering confidence in the PDP’s robust presence and appeal in Ekiti, stating, “The PDP’s presence in Ekiti is clear — the deaf can hear, the blind can see. We’ll get to Oke-Ayaba in 2026. Ikere is ready to claim its rightful place in Ekiti politics.”