PDP Still Strong in Ekiti Despite Election Loss – Oluyede

The defeated PDP governorship candidate in Ekiti, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, has dismissed claims that the party has lost relevance, saying its performance at the polls proves otherwise.

In a statement on Sunday, Oluyede thanked party members and supporters across the state’s 16 local government areas for their commitment throughout the election, insisting the votes secured by the PDP showed it still enjoys widespread support.

He argued that the election result disproved former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s claim that the PDP no longer has a viable political structure in Ekiti.

According to him, the party polled over 40,000 votes despite lacking the backing of PDP governors and facing what he described as severe political and financial constraints, compared to about 67,000 votes recorded in the 2022 governorship election.

“The PDP in Ekiti is not the property of any individual. It belongs to the thousands of committed members who have remained steadfast despite difficult circumstances,” Oluyede said.

He also commended civil servants for what he described as their courage in resisting pressure during the election, saying their actions underscored the importance of protecting citizens’ democratic rights.

Calling on party members not to lose hope, Oluyede pledged that the PDP would rebuild and strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of future elections.”Our journey is far from over. We remain committed to rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with the people and offering Ekiti State the responsible leadership it deserves,” he said.