Ex-Acting Governor Leads PDP in Ekiti as Chairman After Congress Triumph

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has elected a former Acting Governor, Tunji Odeyemi, as its new state chairman. The election took place during the state congress held in Ado-Ekiti, with over 1,000 delegates from the 16 local government areas participating in the exercise.

Odeyemi polled 936 votes to defeat his closest rival, former state legal officer of the party, Sunday Olowolafe, who secured 290 votes. The congress also produced other members of the State Working Committee who will serve alongside the chairman in steering the affairs of the party.

The newly elected chairman expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and delegates for their confidence in his leadership, pledging that their trust would not be misplaced.

Pledges of Unity and PDP Repositioning

In his acceptance speech, Odeyemi described his victory as a collective achievement for the PDP family in Ekiti rather than a personal success. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and unity, urging members to put aside past divisions and focus on building a stronger party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“My emergence today is not about Tunji Odeyemi. It is about the PDP family in Ekiti reclaiming its rightful place as the true voice of the people, the hope of the common man, and the credible alternative for good governance,” he said.

Odeyemi assured PDP members of fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency under his leadership, promising to run an open-door policy where all members feel valued and represented. He highlighted plans to strengthen grassroots structures, empower youths and women, and maintain internal democracy as central to the PDP’s revival.

A Call to Rescue Ekiti State

Addressing the wider socio-political situation in Ekiti, Odeyemi declared that the state was in dire need of “rescue from maladministration, poverty, and neglect.” He positioned the PDP as the credible platform to deliver good governance, restore prosperity, and return dignity to the people.

He urged stakeholders and members to close ranks and rally behind the party’s agenda, noting that only collective effort could return Peoples Democratic Party to Government House in 2026. “Let us speak with one voice, march with one spirit, and labour with one purpose—to restore hope to our people,” he concluded.