The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Oluwole Oluyede, has dismissed claims that the upcoming June 20, 2026 governorship election will be a foregone conclusion.
He described such suggestions as undemocratic and misleading, insisting that the election will be a real contest decided by voters and not a symbolic endorsement of any candidate.
Oluyede made his position known in a statement issued through his media aide, Gani Salau, in Ado Ekiti.
His reaction follows growing political commentary suggesting that the election may amount to a “coronation” for the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Thirteen political parties are expected to participate in the governorship race, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive election.
However, Oluyede strongly rejected narratives suggesting that the outcome is already decided, describing such claims as “intellectually dishonest” and capable of misleading voters.
He warned that presenting the election as a done deal could discourage public participation and weaken democratic engagement in the state.
According to him, Ekiti State is built on democratic principles where elections are determined by the people, not political assumptions or elite arrangements.
KEY POINTS FROM OLUYEDE
He stressed that Ekiti residents should not be treated as passive observers in their own political future, noting that voters have consistently shown independence in past elections.
Oluyede also pushed back against claims that opposition parties are irrelevant in the state, arguing that opposition plays a key role in ensuring accountability and offering alternatives to the ruling government.
He highlighted key challenges facing the state, including unemployment, struggling small businesses, and infrastructural gaps in rural communities.
The PDP candidate called on all stakeholders—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and political actors—to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
He also urged residents of Ekiti to remain active and participate freely in the election without fear or intimidation.
Oluyede reaffirmed that leadership must come through the mandate of the people, not assumptions or political endorsements. He maintained that the June 20, 2026 governorship election will not be a coronation, but a democratic decision made by the people of Ekiti State.
