A rift has surfaced within the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State after former Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly backed Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu. Fayose justified his support by citing Oyebanji's leadership style, which he said promotes inclusiveness and has reduced political tension in the state. "Oyebanji has carried everyone along. His style of leadership has reduced political tension and promoted inclusiveness. When a leader is doing well, it is only fair to acknowledge it regardless of political differences," Fayose stated. He also praised President Tinubu for pursuing difficult but necessary economic and governance reforms.
In response, PDP governorship aspirant Dr. Wole Oluyede distanced himself from Fayose's position during a meeting with journalists at his residence in Ikere-Ekiti. While expressing respect for Fayose's right to endorse any leader, Oluyede disagreed with the assessment of Oyebanji's administration. "I have tremendous respect for Fayose and his right to make political choices. However, I hold a different view regarding the performance of the present administration and the direction the state should be taking," Oluyede said. He stressed that governance must be measured against public expectations, particularly in security, infrastructure and service delivery.
Oluyede emphasized that voter choice, not endorsements, will determine Ekiti's political future. "Every stakeholder is entitled to his opinion. What is important is that the people of Ekiti will ultimately determine the direction they want the state to go through their votes," he said. He called for improvements in security and public infrastructure, urging that government performance be continuously evaluated against citizens' needs. Both Fayose and Oluyede affirmed support for President Tinubu, with Oluyede describing his backing as a long-standing conviction. The divergence over Oyebanji's governance signals internal party debate ahead of the next Ekiti governorship election.
Fayose praises Oyebanji for inclusiveness while his party's candidate criticizes the same administration for failing to meet public needs. Oluyede's rejection of Fayose's narrative exposes a split in how PDP figures assess governance in Ekiti. Ekiti voters now have a clear contrast: one leader lauded for unity, another challenged on delivery. The party's ability to present a unified front ahead of the next election hangs on reconciling these views.
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