Former Ekiti State governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Ayodele Fayose has declared that the PDP is “dead” in Ekiti, claiming that all its governorship candidates are “fooling themselves.”
Fayose also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, predicting a landslide victory in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the former governor stated that the PDP no longer has a sustainable organization in the state.
“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? To be very honest, where are the party members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund—just like what is happening at the national level,” Fayose said.
He added, “If there is hope, you can cling to it and bring life out of it. But there is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti. There are four aspirants in the PDP, and the saddest thing for any man is to be fooling himself. The worst thing in life as a PDP member, or as someone living in this world, is self-deception.
“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. And I am telling you, the party for now is dead in Ekiti. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
However, Fayose clarified that while he remained a PDP member, he would not hesitate to support Oyebanji, whom he praised for his performance since assuming office.
“Oyebanji is doing well. I have said it repeatedly and without apologies. I am not a member of the APC and will never be, but I won’t destroy or 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 am in support. We must be able to stand up for the truth. People know me for that. Oyebanji remains our governor.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the Ekiti governorship election.
While Oyebanji has emerged as the APC candidate, four candidates are running for the PDP ticket: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi.
Tunji Odeyemi, the Ekiti PDP Chairman, called Fayose’s statement “unfortunate” and refuted his allegation that the party was dead.
Odeyemi stated, “It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that elected him governor twice.” He is not God, and the celebration will surprise him.
“The four aspirants in the PDP are credible individuals. The primary will be fair and transparent, and we will produce a strong candidate who will square up against the governor. I can assure you, the PDP will be victorious next year.”
The PDP, APC, and African Democratic Congress are the three front-runners in the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.
