Former Ekiti State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the PDP is “dead” in Ekiti State, describing all its governorship aspirants as “fooling themselves.”
Fayose, who spoke with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, stated that the PDP had lost its structure and relevance in the state, insisting that the party was no longer a formidable force ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? To be very honest, where are the members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund — just like what is happening at the national level,” Fayose said.
He added, “If there is hope, you can cling to it and revive it. But there is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti. There are four aspirants in the PDP, and the saddest thing is self-deception. Tell me where you’ve seen any credible PDP gathering in this state. I am a major stakeholder, and most of those contesting today, I brought them up. The party is dead for now in Ekiti. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
Despite reaffirming his membership in the PDP, Fayose commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as excellent governance and predicted a landslide victory for him in the forthcoming election.
“Oyebanji is doing well. I’ve said it repeatedly and without apologies. I’m not a member of the APC and will never be, but I won’t destroy or condemn what is good simply because I’m in the opposition,” he said.
He added, “Oyebanji is the man the people of Ekiti want till 2030, and I’m in support. We must be able to stand up for the truth. People know me for that — Oyebanji remains our governor.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the Ekiti governorship election.
While Governor Oyebanji has emerged as the APC candidate, four aspirants are currently seeking the PDP ticket: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi.
Reacting to Fayose’s remarks, Ekiti PDP Chairman, Tunji Odeyemi, described the former governor’s comments as “unfortunate,” insisting that the party remains strong and united.
“It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that made him governor twice. He is not God — the party will surprise him,” Odeyemi said.
He added, “The four aspirants in the PDP are credible individuals. The primary will be fair and transparent, and we will produce a strong candidate who will challenge the governor. I can assure you, the PDP will be victorious next year.”
The PDP, APC, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are currently the three leading parties gearing up for the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.
— Hobnob News
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