Dr. Wole Oluyede Wins Ekiti PDP Governorship Primary

Dr. Wole Oluyede has won the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship primary election in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The vote took place in Ado‑Ekiti and attracted thousands of party supporters, as well as 535 delegates representing the state’s 177 wards. Voting began at 10:30 pm on Saturday and concluded at 1:49 am on Sunday, under heavy security to maintain law and order.

According to Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Oluyede secured 279 votes, defeating Funso Ayeni, who received 239 votes, and Funmilayo Ogun, who garnered 17 votes. Another aspirant, Peter Obafemi, stepped down in favor of Oluyede, citing the need for party unity and describing Oluyede as a man of integrity capable of leading the party to victory.

In his acceptance speech, Oluyede called the result a collective triumph for all PDP members and praised the party’s national leadership for ensuring a credible primary. He thanked National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum and PDP Southwest leader Engr. Seyi Makinde for their commitment to a level playing field. Oluyede vowed to restore hope, rebuild trust, and reclaim Ekiti from the All Progressive Congress (APC), urging citizens to unite in moving the state forward.

However, aspirant Funsho Ayeni alleged that the process was marred by manipulation and pledged to use the party’s internal mechanisms to address his concerns. PDP Chairman in Ekiti State, Tunji Odeyemi, expressed satisfaction with the primary’s conduct, describing it as a major step toward the party’s goal of retaking the state from the APC. He appealed to all aspirants to remain united, asserting that the PDP has the capacity to assume governance of Ekiti.

The primary election is a significant milestone in the lead‑up to the Ekiti governorship race. With Oluyede emerging as the PDP candidate, the party is poised to challenge the APC’s grip on the state. The outcome will be closely watched for its potential impact on the regional balance of power, and the unity and cohesion of the PDP will be crucial to its success in the upcoming election.