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Dr. Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has expressed confidence that the party can win the forthcoming election without the support of some former political leaders who recently defected to the ruling party.
Speaking in an interview aired on Channels Television and posted on the broadcaster’s official YouTube channel on June 18, 2026, Oluyede dismissed suggestions that the PDP still depended on the influence of former Governor Ayodele Fayose and other prominent figures to remain competitive.
“We definitely do not think we need Fayose any longer because we have the people, and the people make the party,” he stated.
The PDP candidate said the party had undergone significant restructuring and renewal in recent months, enabling it to reconnect directly with voters across the state’s 16 local government areas. According to him, the party’s growing support base has been built through grassroots engagement rather than reliance on established political power brokers.
Oluyede argued that the strength of any political movement ultimately lies with the electorate, not a handful of influential individuals. He pointed to the turnout at recent campaign events as evidence that many residents are responding positively to the party’s message and are eager for political change.
Rejecting claims that the PDP lacks relevance in the state, he maintained that the momentum surrounding his campaign has unsettled political opponents ahead of the governorship election.
The governorship hopeful also reiterated his commitment to delivering transparent leadership, improving education and healthcare services, and creating economic opportunities for residents. He said his administration would focus on addressing the challenges facing the people of Ekiti and providing what he described as more effective governance.
