Ekiti State's PDP faction disowns Wike-supported gathering, reaffirms Odeyemi's leadership position

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has voiced its disapproval of a parallel state congress, purportedly supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, deeming it unconstitutional and lacking authority over the party's acknowledged leadership.

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This stance reaffirms the legitimacy of State Chairman Tunji Odeyemi and the current State Working Committee, who were elected through a congress on October 1, 2025, overseen by the party's National Working Committee.

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Odeyemi emphasized that the October 2025 congress, which was monitored by security agencies, yielded a four-year mandate that remains intact, as no court has invalidated it.

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He clarified that the recently held congress has no bearing on his leadership, stressing that the mandate granted on October 1, 2025, remains valid and untouched by any court order.

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A separate set of party executives, led by Lanre Omolase, was inaugurated by a faction linked to Wike, following a Court of Appeal judgment that impacted the PDP's national leadership structure, thereby fueling the controversy.

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Odeyemi cited a Federal High Court judgment that confirmed Wole Oluyede as the PDP governorship candidate in Ekiti State and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize him, effectively resolving earlier disputes over the party's candidate.

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PDP deputy governorship candidate Deji Ogunsakin expressed confidence in the party's prospects in the upcoming election, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress administration in the state.

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Ogunsakin dismissed claims of a leadership change within the PDP, characterizing those behind the parallel congress as suspended members lacking legal backing for their actions.

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He further stated that any attempt to impose a caretaker arrangement is illegal and serves as a distraction from the party's election preparations.