Ekiti PDP Chieftain Oluyede, Governor Oyebanji Unite for Tinubu's 2027 Bid

Dr. Wole Oluyede, who contested the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, recently held discussions with Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The meeting served to reiterate Oluyede's commitment to collaborating with the governor for the advancement of Ekiti State and to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign in the 2027 presidential polls.

According to a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Oluyede highlighted that his encounter with Governor Oyebanji signals a notable shift in Ekiti's political landscape. He described it as an opportunity for both leaders to emphasize the necessity for unity, cooperation, and collective action, transcending traditional political party divides. The PDP stalwart clarified that the meeting, which took place in Lagos on Thursday, went beyond mere politics, encompassing elements of reciprocity, mutual respect, and the shared obligation of Ekiti leaders to contribute to the state's growth.

Oluyede recounted, “Governor Oyebanji came to visit me on June 21, immediately after the election. We discussed Ekiti and how we could all come together as brothers to move Ekiti forward. Today’s (Thursday) meeting is part of returning that visit and paying back the gesture. For me, it is about reciprocity, but more importantly, it is about Ekiti.” He further stressed the importance of the Omoluabi ethos, stating, “What they know Ekiti for is Omoluabi, and we will forever remain so. Political differences should not destroy the bonds that unite us as Ekiti people.”

Having recently announced his decision to back President Tinubu’s re-election alongside his team and members of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), the former PDP governorship candidate underlined the need to transform stated commitments and public declarations into tangible grassroots mobilization efforts. He appealed to all political figures and stakeholders in Ekiti to set aside their disagreements and unite to ensure a decisive victory for the President in the state.

“I want us to focus on 2027 and how we can win Ekiti for Mr President. To achieve that, everybody needs to come together. Today’s meeting is part of the move and the commitment I made to work with Mr Governor towards the victory of President Tinubu in Ekiti come 2027,” Oluyede affirmed. He added that he would personally spearhead grassroots campaigns across Ekiti State, accompanied by his team and OPARHA members, declaring, “We will go from house to house, village to village and community to community. We are going to speak directly with our people, listen to them and mobilise them for President Tinubu.”

This mobilization drive, Oluyede noted, would engage political leaders, traditional and community leaders, youths, women, professionals, business owners, and other stakeholders across all 16 local government areas. He articulated a clear objective: “Our target is clear. We want Ekiti to give President Tinubu 90 per cent. We are going to work for it. We will mobilise, campaign and speak to our people directly. But we cannot do it alone. Everybody must come together.”

Oluyede emphasized that his collaboration with Governor Oyebanji should be viewed within the broader context of Ekiti's unity and development. “We may belong to different political parties, but at the end of the day, we are Ekiti people. We are brothers. We can disagree politically without becoming enemies. When the interest of Ekiti and Nigeria is involved, we must come together. What Ekiti is known for is Omoluabi, and we will forever remain so,” he concluded.

Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, confirmed the meeting and stated that “Dr Oluyede briefed Governor Oyebanji of his decision to work for President Tinubu in the January 2027 Presidential elections.” He also mentioned that “The two leaders also discussed Ekiti progress in Oyebanji’s second term administration billed to commence on October 16th.” Governor Oyebanji, through his aide, extended his gratitude to Dr. Oluyede for his “statesmanship and demonstrated commitment to Ekiti progress and national development.”