Politics
Oluyede Advocates for Self-Reliance in Ekiti Ahead of 2026 Election
As the 2026 governorship election approaches in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, former African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2022 election, has called for a shift away from reliance on federal allocations. Oluyede, an Australia-based medical practitioner, emphasized that only a productive and self-sufficient government can truly address the state’s challenges.
In a recent meeting with members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikere-Ekiti, Oluyede criticized both past and current governments for their over-reliance on federal funds, which he claims has perpetuated poverty in Ekiti State. He argued that the state has not effectively utilized its abundant resources, resulting in stagnation and underdevelopment.
Oluyede pointed out, “God has blessed us with a lot of resources in Ekiti. The stones and other materials I used in building this house were bought in Ekiti. We are richly blessed in Ekiti, yet we complain of poverty.”
He lamented that the state’s dependence on federal allocations has been detrimental, saying, “The day Ekiti started spending federal allocation was the beginning of our problem. Our old schools and infrastructure were not built with federal funds.”
According to Oluyede, previous administrations have failed to harness local resources effectively. He noted, “When we were growing up, Ado-Ekiti was more prosperous. We had businessmen and industrialists who contributed to the state’s economy. We must return to a productive economy and stop relying on federal handouts.”
Oluyede further asserted that a productive government would create wealth and eliminate poverty. He challenged all past and present leaders of Ekiti, stating, “Only a foolish man eats his yam seedlings. We must stop consuming our resources and instead focus on production.”
Oluyede pledged that if elected governor, he would prioritize the state’s development and not engage in corruption. He stated, “I will not steal a kobo. My goal is to make Ekiti prosperous and self-reliant.”
He also addressed PDP members, urging them to unite and work together to reposition the party for future success. Oluyede emphasized the importance of grassroots organization and expressed his commitment to strengthening the party’s position in the state.
Regarding his own political future, Oluyede clarified that he has not yet declared his candidacy for the governorship but is open to the possibility. He urged the PDP to focus on rebuilding and preparing for the upcoming elections.
In attendance at the meeting were prominent PDP leaders, including former Speaker of the State House of Assembly Pastor Kola Oluwawole, former state chairman Barr. Gboyega Oguntuase, and several former commissioners and local government chairmen.
Oluyede’s remarks highlight a broader discussion on the need for local resource utilization and self-sufficiency as key elements in addressing the developmental challenges facing Ekiti State.
Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has dismissed rumors of an alleged plot to impeach him, describing the news as “fake” and AI-generated. Akpabio addressed the issue during Wednesday’s plenary, following reports that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) had surrounded the National Assembly due to the supposed plan to unseat him.
Akpabio assured the Senate that its leadership remains stable, emphasizing that there is no truth to the impeachment speculations, which he labeled as a “mirage.” He expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news in the media, jokingly suggesting that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.
The Senate President referred the issue to the Committee on Special Duties for further investigation, with a report expected within 24 hours. Akpabio has faced recurring impeachment rumors since the 10th Senate was inaugurated in June 2023.
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially inaugurated its newly elected executive committee, led by Abayomi Tella, who will guide the party for the next four years.
During the inauguration, Dada Awoleye, chairman of the caretaker committee, presented the certificate of return to Tella and urged the new executives to focus on securing the party’s victory in the upcoming local government elections on November 16. Awoleye emphasized that this executive committee represents the legitimate leadership of the party in Ogun State and called for efforts to reconcile disgruntled members, highlighting that the party’s success hinges on unity.
In his acceptance speech, Tella expressed the commitment of the new executive to rejuvenate and reposition the party in preparation for the 2027 elections. He acknowledged the potential for differing interests within the party but stressed the importance of managing those differences effectively.
Tella stated, “We’ve started managing our interests, and it is crucial for the party’s progress.”
Over three weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor-Elect in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are facing backlash from a pro-democracy group. The Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech accused the PDP of relying on media propaganda instead of accepting the election results.
Patrick Osaigbovo, the group’s Executive Director, criticized the PDP’s focus on INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (iREV), claiming the party is trying to undermine state institutions. He noted that the PDP failed to engage voters directly and instead relied on external sentiments and media appearances.
Osaigbovo further alleged that the PDP prematurely released results from its “Situation Room” during the election, aiming to sway public opinion. He emphasized that INEC guidelines stipulate that results should be uploaded to the iREV after voting ends.
In response, the PDP Campaign Council’s Deputy Director-General, Reverend Olu Martins, dismissed the accusations as baseless and unsubstantiated, adding that election observers had deemed the process fair at the polling units. The PDP maintains that the election results should be scrutinized to improve Nigeria’s electoral system.
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