The Southwest Zonal Ex-Officio of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lanre Fajuyi, has declared that the party remains strong and active in Ekiti State ahead of the June 2026 governorship election, insisting that its candidate, Wole Oluyede, will appear on the ballot paper despite recent controversies surrounding the party’s status.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti during the distribution of food items to Muslim faithful under the Bukola Olanrewaju Fajuyi Foundation Foodbank (BOFF Foodbank) initiative, Fajuyi dismissed claims that the PDP had collapsed following its removal from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list.
According to her, the party remains fully operational from the ward to the national level, adding that the PDP remains the only dependable and reliable party in Ekiti State that would save residents from the claws of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Her words: “PDP is not dead. From the ward level to the national level, we are active. On Friday, a judgment declared Tanimu Turaki as the only recognized National Chairman of the PDP.
“There is no division in the party. Everywhere you turn, PDP is on the ground. Oluyede’s name will soon be on the ballot paper. He will contest, and by the special grace of God, he will be the next governor of the state.”
She also explained that the palliative distribution was aimed at supporting party faithful during the fasting period and fostering unity within the party across religious lines.
“We have both Muslims and Christians in PDP. It is important to encourage our people, especially during this fasting period. This token will assist them when it is time to break their fast. The Christians will also have their turn,” Fajuyi added.
Also speaking, the PDP Chairman in Ado-Ekiti, Michael Odeyemi, threw his weight behind Fajuyi, affirming that the party remains firmly in the race for 2026.
He attributed internal challenges to disgruntled elements but maintained that the court’s recognition of Turaki as national chairman has resolved leadership disputes.
Odeyemi commended Fajuyi for her philanthropic efforts, describing her as a woman of virtue whose support for the less privileged should be emulated.
Beneficiaries like Fatima Ahmed Kazeem and others expressed their profound appreciation for her support, noting that the assistance would ease the burden of feeding their families during the Ramadan fast.
PDP not dead in Ekiti, Oluyede’s name will appear on ballot – Lanre Fajuyi