Could the fate of Ekiti State be changing hands in a way nobody saw coming? On a humid Sunday, as the first light crept across Ado Ekiti, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced a result that sent ripples far beyond the city limits. Dr. Wole Oluyede, respected physician and grassroots strategist, unexpectedly clinched victory in an explosive PDP governorship primary that has since become the talk of political corridors statewide.
With 279 votes—sharply edging out his closest rival, Funso Ayeni, who landed 239 votes—Oluyede set a new tone for the fast-approaching 2026 Ekiti governorship election. While Ayeni and Theresa Ogun (who came in third with just 27 votes) put up fierce resistance, the margin was still enough to raise burning questions: What does this mean for the PDP? Will Ekiti’s political equilibrium be upended?
The Drama Behind Closed Doors: Power, Protest & Political Intrigue
If you assumed the primary would be a smooth, uneventful ride, well, Ekiti politics had other plans. The Vino Event Centre, where the contest unfolded, crackled with tension as angry party members stormed out, protesting the exclusion of votes from Ido/Osi Local Government. “How can you leave out an entire LGA?” one aggrieved delegate was overheard grumbling, frustration written all over his face.
As moments turned to hours, anticipation built. People huddled in small groups, clasping their phones, waiting for the news that could reshape their futures. The contest, which dragged late into the night, nearly derailed as Peter Obafemi, another big name in the race, dramatically withdrew, throwing his full support behind Oluyede at the eleventh hour. That’s Ekiti politics for you—never a dull moment, always a touch of unpredictability.
Acceptance, Allegiances, and Aftermath: “Victory for All”
As Oluyede took the stage to give his acceptance speech, eyes fixed on him with a mix of admiration and anxiety. “This victory is not just mine,” he declared, voice steady but with a hint of emotion, “but for the entire party.” He made a heartfelt appeal, calling on aggrieved members to sheath their swords and join hands for the bigger battle ahead—the general election. “Today’s contest proves that internal democracy is alive and well in our party,” he added, offering an olive branch to his defeated co-contestants.
However, not everyone was ready to sing Kumbaya. Funso Ayeni, visibly unsettled, questioned aspects of the process and signalled plans to seek redress through party channels. It’s classic—winners and losers both shaping the post-primary narrative.
Ekiti Political Landscape: Multiple Parties, One Dream
This wasn’t just a PDP game. Across Ekiti State, the air was thick with political calculations as every major opposition party wrapped up its primaries just ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s November 10 deadline. Party faithful, INEC observers, and security officers from all 16 LGAs thronged various venues, underscoring just how much is at stake come 2026.
Gombe State’s former governor, Ibrahim Dankambo, piloted the PDP process—an important sign of the party’s effort to boost credibility and transparency. State Chairman Tunji Odeyemi quickly declared the exercise “free and fair,” a nod to the peaceful, if turbulent, resolution. He emphasized unity, pledging to carry all party members along as they head towards election day.
- APC: The ruling party fired its own shot earlier, returning incumbent Biodun Oyebanji as candidate through a consensus arrangement. That’s déjà vu for some, but it also means Oyebanji starts with the power of incumbency—no small feat.
- SDP: Not to be left behind, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) crowned David Bankole, a seasoned party scribe, as its flagbearer after two rivals bowed out in his favour. Gabriel Akinloye, chair of the SDP primary, praised opponents for their team spirit, urging everyone to align forces for the party’s prospects.
- ADP: In an unexpected twist, Dare Bejide claimed victory in the African Democratic Party (ADP) primaries, polling 15,466 votes and leaving Olusola Eleka, a former deputy governor, and three others trailing.
- NNPP & Accord Party: On the wings, Blessing Abegunde of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Opeyemi Falegan from Accord also emerged as torchbearers. Abegunde, a young entrepreneur, brings business acumen and youth appeal; Falegan, known for philanthropy, promises a new style of leadership.
Inside the Numbers: What Influences the Ekiti Voter?
Here’s what’s at stake. Ekiti, known for its fiercely independent voters, has danced between parties in recent cycles. The last couple of elections have split the electorate, making every party scramble for every vote. According to data from INEC, Ekiti consistently records high voter turnout—an unmistakable sign of engaged, passionate citizens who refuse to sit on the sidelines.
But it’s not just about who gets the ticket. It’s about trust, legacy, and whose story best speaks to everyday struggles—na who fit carry everybody along go win, true-true. Many locals point out that primaries, with all their drama, simply set the tone for the bigger fireworks yet to come when real voting begins. Whether you’re a market woman in Ikere, a teacher in Ido/Osi, or a youth leader in Ado Ekiti, these choices eventually wash up on everyone’s doorstep.
Challenges, Criticisms, and the Road Ahead
Of course, not all that glitters is gold. Disputes over transparency, delegate eligibility, and vote counts continue to crop up. In the ADP primaries, for instance, allegations of irregularities led the primary committee, led by Patricia Akwashiki, to cancel some local government results outright. Such problems aren’t unique to Ekiti—they echo throughout Nigeria and even across West Africa, as credible, transparent primaries remain a work in progress in many democracies.
Still, the willingness of most parties to address grievances internally—at least for now—speaks to hard-won lessons from past political ructions. As Lagos-based analyst Bola Ajayi noted, “When you bring contestants together under one party after a hard-fought primary, what you get is either a stronger, united front—or lingering division. The next few weeks will reveal which story Ekiti PDP and others are writing.”
What’s Next for Ekiti State? Local Voices Weigh In
For many at home, these primaries are more than news updates—they’re personal. Residents like Mrs. Florence Adeyemi, a school principal, see Oluyede’s medical background as promising for healthcare. “Maybe with a doctor in charge, our hospitals will see real change,” she commented, echoing a familiar hope among voters. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs nod to Abegunde’s business background, and civil servants watch Oyebanji’s every move to determine if change or continuity best serves their interests.
Globally, the Ekiti story mirrors trends seen across Africa, where vibrant multiparty contests push leaders—old and new—to prove themselves under ever-brighter scrutiny. According to comparative studies by International IDEA, transparent primary elections and increasing female and youth participation are vital to truly representative democracy. Will Ekiti continue on that path, or get tripped up along the way?
Ready for 2026: The Countdown Begins
As the dust settles from this round of party selection, the real campaign is just beginning. The choices made now will shape the next era for Ekiti—just as every grandmother and okada rider will tell you, “Make we shine our eyes, no let them chop alone this time.” Do these primaries plant the seeds for unity or repeat old mistakes?
So let’s hear from you: Who do you think stands the best chance with the Ekiti electorate? How will the primary results shape the journey ahead? Share your take below and stay tuned for deep-dives on the issues, personalities, and plans that will decide 2026. Your voice counts, and the campaign begins now.
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