Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has dismissed the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2026 governorship election in the state, declaring that the party is “dead” and throwing his support behind incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fayose Backs Oyebanji, Says PDP Has Lost Structure
Former Ekiti State Governor and PDP stalwart, Ayodele Fayose, on Monday declared that the PDP has no chance in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, describing aspirants within the party as “fooling themselves.”
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose said the PDP had lost its structure and relevance in the state, arguing that the party lacked active participation and credible mobilisation ahead of the poll. According to him, the party’s current condition mirrors the crisis affecting it at the national level.
Fayose, who asserted that he would neither defect to the APC nor seek political favours, stated that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had performed well and deserved a second term. He predicted a landslide victory for Oyebanji, insisting the governor enjoyed broad support.
Political Landscape Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the governorship election in Ekiti State. The APC, PDP, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are the leading parties in the contest.
While Oyebanji has already secured the APC ticket, four aspirants are vying for the PDP nomination: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi. Five aspirants are also seeking the ADC ticket.
Fayose maintained that despite being a major stakeholder in the PDP and having personally nurtured several figures in the state’s politics, the party currently lacks the momentum to compete.
PDP Reacts, Says Fayose Will Be Proven Wrong
In response, Ekiti State PDP Chairman, Tunji Odeyemi, criticised Fayose for his comments, describing them as unfortunate from someone twice elected governor by the party. He insisted that the PDP was being repositioned for victory and expressed confidence in the upcoming primary election.
Odeyemi stated that the party’s aspirants were actively mobilising delegates across the state’s 177 wards and promised a transparent primary process. He expressed optimism that the PDP would challenge the APC effectively and emerge victorious.
As political activities intensify ahead of the Ekiti 2026 election, Ayodele’s remarks have sparked debate within the state’s political circle. While he argues that the PDP lacks capacity, party leaders remain confident of reclaiming power.
The coming months will determine whether the PDP can regain structure and prove Fayose wrong, or whether Oyebanji’s administration will secure another term.
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