Ekiti 2026: Unite behind Fayose and other leaders, Wike-supported PDP group tells Oluyede

In the wake of the Court of Appeal's judgement in Abuja, which annulled the Peoples Democratic Party's national convention in Ibadan and upheld the suspension of several national officers, a faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sworn in new executives in Ekiti.

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The Chairman of the congress committee, Philip Adebiyi, has appealed to the party's governorship candidate in the state, Wole Oluyede, to unite with former Governor Ayodele Fayose and other party leaders to make a significant impact in the upcoming June 20 poll in Ekiti.

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The congress, which was overseen by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, resulted in the election of Lanre Omolase, an ally of Ayodele Fayose, as the party Chairman, and Chief Tunde Ogunleye, a former Commissioner in the State, as Secretary.

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Other members elected to the State Working Committee include Babatunde Akande as Deputy Chairman, Femi Philips as Publicity Secretary, Lawrence Odunayo as Organising Secretary, Olugbenga Agbede as Legal Adviser, Ayodele Oluwatoyin Bosede as Women Leader, and Banji Femi as Youth Leader.

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Gani Bakare was elected as Financial Secretary, while Anike Folasade, Ajayi Joseph, and Sunday Olowolafe were chosen as Treasurer, Auditor, and one of the Senatorial Chairmen, respectively, alongside Adeniyi Adefemi and Segun Olatunji, who will represent the South, Central, and North senatorial districts.

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Adebiyi expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, stating that the party leadership is working tirelessly to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 general election, with the next step being to bring all party members together for reconciliation.

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Adebiyi advised Oluyede to reach out to Ayodele Fayose, the party leader in the state, and unite all members, warning that failure to do so would hinder his ability to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming election.

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Former gubernatorial candidate Bisi Kolawole, who is also a member of the party's National Caretaker Working Committee, revealed that plans are underway to rebuild the party's fractured structure and reposition it for future success.

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Kolawole acknowledged the party's recent internal challenges but expressed confidence that the national leadership is working diligently to restore unity, strengthen internal democracy, and rebuild member confidence across the country.

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Kolawole added that consultations are ongoing among party leaders and stakeholders to ensure the PDP emerges stronger and more united, and he urged the newly elected state executives to remain loyal to the party and work collectively to move it forward.

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Newly elected Chairman Lanre Omolase called for commitment among party members, assuring that the party will rise again, and stated that he will lead the party with the fear of God and work to regain its lost grounds in the state.

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Omolase maintained that the party is ready to work with Oluyede if he approaches the PDP genuinely and is willing to unite with party leaders.