Former Ekiti State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the party is “dead” in Ekiti, describing its governorship aspirants as “fooling themselves.”
Fayose made the remarks on Monday while speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti, where he also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as outstanding performance, predicting an easy re-election for him in the 2026 governorship poll.
“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, and most of those contesting today, I brought them up. I am telling you, the party for now is dead in Ekiti. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
The former governor, however, clarified that while he remains a PDP member, he would not hesitate to support Governor Oyebanji, praising him for his achievements in 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 scheduled the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026. Oyebanji has already secured the APC ticket, while four aspirants, Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi, are contesting for the PDP ticket.
Reacting to Fayose’s remarks, Ekiti PDP Chairman, Tunji Odeyemi, described the statement as “unfortunate,” saying it was improper for a former governor to speak ill of the party that gave him prominence.
“It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that made him governor twice. He is not God; the party will surprise him,” Odeyemi said.
“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 (ADC) are currently seen as the three major contenders ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
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