Former Ekiti State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Ayodele Fayose, has described the PDP in Ekiti as “dead,” claiming that all its governorship aspirants are merely “fooling themselves.”
He, however, praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), predicting a decisive victory for him in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Fayose said the PDP in the state lacked a functional structure and had lost its relevance.
“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? Where are the party members? Where are the PDP meetings being held? The party is completely moribund, just like at the national level,” Fayose said.
He added that while there are four aspirants in the PDP, pursuing the governorship under the party’s current state is self-deception.
“The saddest thing for anyone is fooling themselves. Tell me where you have seen a credible PDP gathering in this state. I am a major stakeholder. Most of those contesting today, I brought them up. The party is dead in Ekiti for now,” Fayose said.
Despite remaining a PDP member, Fayose expressed his support for Oyebanji, commending his performance since taking office.
“Oyebanji is doing well. I am not a member of the APC and will never be, but I will not condemn what is good simply because I’m in the opposition,” he said.
“Oyebanji is the man the people of Ekiti want till 2030, and I stand by that.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026.
Oyebanji has secured the APC ticket, while four candidates are contesting for the PDP nomination: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi.
Reacting to Fayose’s comments, Ekiti PDP Chairman Tunji Odeyemi called the claim “unfortunate,” insisting the party remains strong and prepared for the election.
“It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that made him governor twice. The four PDP aspirants are credible, the primary will be fair, and we will produce a strong candidate,” Odeyemi said.
The PDP, APC, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain the leading parties in the upcoming Ekiti governorship race.
