Former Ekiti State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the PDP is “dead” in Ekiti State, saying all its governorship aspirants are “deceiving themselves.”
Fayose also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), predicting a landslide victory for him in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the former governor said the PDP no longer had any functional structure in the state.
“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? Honestly, where are the members? Where are meetings being held? The party is totally lifeless — just like what’s happening at the national level,” Fayose said.
He continued, “If there’s hope, you can hold on to it and revive it. But there’s no hope. The PDP is dead in Ekiti. The four aspirants in the PDP are only fooling themselves. The worst thing in life is self-deception. Tell me, where have you seen a credible PDP gathering in this state? I’m a major stakeholder. Most of those contesting today, I raised them politically. And I’m telling you — for now, the party is dead in Ekiti. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
Fayose, however, clarified that while he remains a PDP member, he won’t hesitate to support Oyebanji, whom he commended for his leadership.
“Oyebanji is doing well. I’ve said it many times and without apologies. I’m not a member of the APC and will never be, but I won’t condemn good work just because I’m in the opposition,” he said.
He added, “Oyebanji is the man the people of Ekiti want till 2030. And I support that. We must always stand 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.
While Oyebanji has emerged as the APC candidate, four aspirants — Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi — are contesting for the PDP ticket.
Read Also;
Protest rocks PDP national secretariat as Wike-led faction takes over
Reacting to Fayose’s comments, Ekiti PDP Chairman, Tunji Odeyemi, described the statement as “unfortunate” and dismissed claims that the party was dead.
“It’s unfortunate for a former governor to make such remarks about the party that made him governor twice. He is not God — the party will surprise him,” Odeyemi said.
He added that the four PDP aspirants are credible and that the primary election would be fair and transparent.
“We will produce a strong candidate who will go head-to-head with the governor. I can assure you, the PDP will bounce back next year,” he said.
