Oluwole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has dismissed claims that the June 20, 2026 governorship election will be a coronation for All Progressives Congress candidate Biodun Oyebanji. Speaking through a statement issued by his media aide, Gani Salau, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Oluyede described such assertions as undemocratic and an attack on the people's will. He rejected a publication titled "Ekiti '26: June 20 will be coronation, not election day for BAO," calling it self-indulgent and intellectually dishonest.
Oluyede emphasized that Ekiti operates under a democratic system guided by Nigeria's Constitution and that the election would be a competitive contest, not a ceremonial endorsement. He warned that narratives suggesting a predetermined outcome could discourage voter participation and weaken democratic values. Thirteen political parties are fielding candidates in the election, including Oyebanji, the incumbent governor.
The PDP candidate argued that Ekiti is not a kingdom and that June 20, 2026, would reflect the free will of the people, not elite imposition. He cited unemployment, struggling small businesses, and inadequate rural infrastructure as pressing issues in the state. Oluyede stressed that opposition parties remain vital for accountability and urged INEC, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders to uphold constitutional roles for a free and fair process. He called on Ekiti residents to vote without fear, declaring, "Ekiti belongs to its people."
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