Ekiti PDP Draws Battle Lines Against Former Governor Fayose
The Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has launched a strong verbal attack against former governor Ayodele Fayose, declaring that the party will not permit him to dismantle the political structure being established to secure victory in the 2026 governorship election.
This confrontation comes in response to Fayose's recent characterization of the PDP in Ekiti as a "party in coma" and his assertion that aspirants on the party's platform for the 2026 race are merely wasting their time.
Expulsion Described as 'Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish'
Speaking with journalists after the party's Stakeholders' Meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, Oluyede did not mince words when addressing Fayose's departure from the party. He characterized the former governor's expulsion as "Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish" and called on Fayose to acknowledge his responsibility in weakening the PDP's position over the past three years.
The gubernatorial candidate emphasized that despite Fayose's alleged anti-party activities, the Ekiti PDP remains intact, united, and stronger than ever before. He expressed confidence in the party's current trajectory and its prospects for the upcoming election.
Reconciliation and Local Focus
In a move toward party unity, Oluyede urged the Tunji Odeyemi-led State Executive to establish a reconciliation committee. This body would address grievances among aspirants who lost the primary election to him, as well as other party members dissatisfied for various reasons.
When questioned about the national-level crisis affecting the PDP, Oluyede remained unfazed, insisting that politics remains fundamentally local. He stated that the ongoing national issues would not impact the party's chances in Ekiti State.
"Parties always have issues anywhere in the world, that's why they are called political parties, but I have no issues with the national crisis," Oluyede declared. "I am not running for national office; all I need is Ekiti people behind me, and that's what we are going to get."
He directly challenged Fayose's legacy, stating: "If you have been a leader for eight years and people depend on you, you shouldn't sell them short." While leaving the door open for reconciliation, Oluyede issued a stern warning: "He can come back, and we will welcome him. But if he chooses to stay out and say he will bulldoze the party, we will not allow him."
The candidate used vivid imagery to emphasize his point: "Nobody builds a house and then brings a bulldozer to destroy it." He concluded optimistically about the party's current state: "Thank God he hasn't been able to pull us down. We are building. We are getting stronger. There is no faction in this party."
Earlier during the meeting, PDP Chairman Tunji Odeyemi had encouraged members to return to their polling units and mobilize effectively for Oluyede's campaign. Odeyemi pledged that he would not rest until the party secures victory in the forthcoming governorship election.
