Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its readiness to sweep the 2026 Ekiti State Gubernatorial Election, with the National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, stating that the party is poised to rescue the state from what it described as current failed administration of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The declaration was made during the official presentation of the Certificate of Return to the governorship flag-bearer of the party, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, on Wednesday, December 10, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Addressing a crowd of jubilant party faithful and stakeholders, Turaki expressed absolute confidence in the party’s structure, unity, and the marketability of its candidate.
“The presentation of this Certificate of Return marks the beginning of the journey back to Government House, Ado-Ekiti,” Chairman Turaki stated. “Let me assure the great people of Ekiti: We will win the Ekiti Guber Election in 2026! Our candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, is a man of the people, and the PDP is the only party with a genuine blueprint for shared prosperity and sustainable development in Nigeria.”
He noted that the unity demonstrated during the primary election process under former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, signals the party’s preparedness to present a formidable and unshakeable front against the incumbent APC.
The climax of the event was the official presentation of the Certificate of Return to Dr Oluyede, formally validating his victory in the recent party primary election.
In his acceptance speech, the governorship candidate thanked the NWC and all party members for their faith in him and promised to run an issue-based campaign focused on addressing the economic hardships faced by the citizens of Ekiti State.
“This Certificate is a covenant. A covenant between the PDP and the people of Ekiti State,” Dr Oluyede affirmed, adding that “We will restore transparency, revitalize our local economy, and ensure that the wealth of Ekiti truly benefits the common man. Our victory in 2026 will not just be for the PDP; it will be a victory for good governance.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minority Leader in the Senate, Senator Abba Moro, who led the other PDP National Assembly members, raised concerns about the management of Nigeria’s finances under the current APC government.
According to him, the current administration is yet to implement the entire 2025 Budget, a practice he described as “fiscally irresponsible and opaque.”
“This action of non-implementation of the 2025 budget even at the last month of the year is a grave indicator of the APC’s mismanagement and lack of accountability,” the minority leader stated. “The people must ask: What are they trying to cover up? The PDP will use its legislative oversight to expose all financial recklessness in Nigeria.” He said.
Presenting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s form to the candidate, the party called on the INEC to ensure a level playing field and credible election process in 2026, assuring the people of Ekiti State that the PDP remains their best option for meaningful change.
