In the upcoming 2026 governor’s race in Ekiti State, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, a candidate for the position from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has pledged to unseat incumbent Biodun Oyebanji.
In a statement released in Abuja, Fayose claimed that his determination to run for office sprang from his wish to steer Ekiti State in the direction of progress and advancement.
“If I win, I will run an inclusive government that would steer Ekiti in the right direction,” the statement said in part. “I am in the race to dislodge the Oyebanji-led government.”
“More emphasis and clarification are needed regarding my desire to run because of the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Ayodele Fayose, a former state governor, in Lagos.”
During the widely reported meeting, the former governor—who also happens to be Otunba Fayose’s older brother—told President Tinubu that he would back the incumbent in returning the party members in Ekiti State who were deemed anti-party.
Otunba Fayose, however, responded to the news by saying: “want everyone else, I read about the meeting in the headlines, and I would want to clarify that it has nothing to do with my goal.
“The meeting won’t have any bearing on my goals because the former governor, who is also my older brother, is simply expressing his democratic right to free will.
“Since we are two distinct organizations with different objectives, his choice and preferences will not and cannot have a negative impact on my bid.”
Read Also: Highway Tragedy: 10 Die in Kaduna-Abuja Road Accident
But Fayose urged his hordes of supporters in the state to maintain their resolve and steadfastness in their pursuit of constructive change.
The Oyebanji administration was a complete failure, he said, adding that the PDP would take back power in 2026 and start the process of rebuilding the state.
The candidate stated: “My brother is on his own, and it is up to our great party’s leadership to choose whether he is loyal to our PDP or APC.
“But, I am taking advantage of this platform to encourage our throngs of supporters to stay steadfast and unwavering and not let anything divert them from bringing about the necessary change in our state.”
