In a significant political development, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has selected Dr. Wole Oluyede as its standard bearer for the forthcoming 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State following a keenly contested primary election.
Primary Election Results and Process
The party's governorship primary, which took place at the Vino Event Centre along Afao Road in Ado-Ekiti, saw Dr. Oluyede polling 279 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Funsho Ayeni, who secured 239 votes. The only female aspirant in the race, Funmi Oguns, received 17 votes.
The electoral exercise, which extended into the late hours, began with accreditation of delegates around 6:00 p.m. and continued through the night until results were officially announced in the early morning of Sunday. Delegates representing all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State participated in the democratic process.
Transparent and Peaceful Conduct
Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies closely monitored the entire process. Political observers and party leaders unanimously described the primary as transparent, credible, and peaceful, despite the extended voting period.
The successful conduct of the primary demonstrated the party's commitment to internal democracy and provided a positive example of political organization in Nigeria's electoral landscape.
Oluyede's Background and Acceptance Speech
Dr. Wole Oluyede, an Australia-based medical practitioner with extensive international experience spanning the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia, brings a wealth of global exposure to Ekiti politics. His supporters believe his diverse professional background will introduce fresh perspectives to governance in the state.
In his victory speech, Oluyede expressed gratitude to his supporters, party leaders, and delegates for their commitment to the democratic process. He emphasized that the victory belongs to every PDP member and pledged to work toward unifying the party.
"I thank every member of our great party who believed in the process and in the vision we share for a greater Ekiti," Oluyede stated. "Together, we have demonstrated that internal democracy is alive and thriving in the PDP in Ekiti State. There are no losers here—only partners working toward a common goal."
The governor-elect specifically acknowledged the factional National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, and Southwest party leaders including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the primary process.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
Oluyede's emergence comes at a crucial time for the PDP, which recently experienced defections of three federal lawmakers from Kaduna State to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The successful primary in Ekiti therefore represents a significant morale booster for the party.
Looking ahead to the 2026 governorship contest, Oluyede assured Ekiti residents that genuine change is imminent. "With this victory, I assure Ekiti people that true change is coming," he declared. "The journey has just begun, and together, we will build a state that reflects the hopes and aspirations of our people."
The physician-politician also commended his fellow aspirants for their maturity and sportsmanship, noting that their conduct throughout the process had strengthened public confidence in the party's internal democratic mechanisms.
