PDP Dead in Ekiti, Gov Aspirants Deceiving Themselves — Fayose

Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has declared that the PDP is “dead” in the state, describing its governorship hopefuls as “fooling themselves.”

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Fayose said the party no longer had a viable structure in the state and compared its situation to what he called the “moribund” state of the PDP at the national level.

“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? Where are the members and where are meetings being held? The party is totally moribund. If there is hope, you can cling to it, but there is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti,” he said.

Fayose added that the four PDP aspirants were wasting their time. “The saddest thing for any man is to be fooling himself. The worst thing in life, as a PDP member or anyone living in this world, is self-deception,” he said, adding that he remained a stakeholder in the party but could not ignore the reality.

The former governor commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, predicting a landslide victory for him in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

“Oyebanji is doing well. I have said it repeatedly and without apologies. I am not a member of the APC and will never be, but I won’t destroy or condemn what is good simply because I’m in the opposition,” Fayose said. “Oyebanji is the man the people of Ekiti want till 2030. We must be able to stand up for the truth.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed June 20, 2026 for the Ekiti governorship election. While Oyebanji has been confirmed as the APC candidate, four aspirants — Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi — are competing for the PDP ticket.

Reacting to Fayose’s remarks, Ekiti PDP Chairman Tunji Odeyemi described his comments as “unfortunate” and dismissed claims that the party was dead.

“It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that made him governor twice. He is not God — the party will surprise him. The four aspirants are credible, and the primary will be fair and transparent. The PDP will be victorious next year,” Odeyemi said.