Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has formally challenged incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji to a public debate ahead of the June 20, 2026, election, as he unveiled a comprehensive set of policy proposals aimed at addressing governance gaps under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The challenge was made during a strategic meeting with PDP members from all 177 wards in the state, held in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday. Oluyede emphasized that the debate would offer a platform for both candidates to clearly present their visions, enabling voters to make informed decisions based on policy, not personality.
Oluyede highlighted several areas of underperformance in the current administration, including delayed gratuity payments to retirees, limited access to affordable healthcare, poor infrastructure, high unemployment, and insufficient support for grassroots economic development. To address these challenges, he proposed a transparent and structured plan to clear gratuity arrears, which he said would restore trust and morale among public servants. He also pledged to launch a comprehensive and affordable health insurance scheme, specifically targeting vulnerable populations in rural areas to improve access to medical services.
On job creation, Oluyede outlined a strategy to boost small and medium-scale enterprises through targeted grants, vocational training programs, and public-private partnerships. He identified agriculture and agro-processing as critical sectors capable of absorbing thousands of unemployed youths if adequately funded and properly managed. “We are ready to be held accountable by Ekiti people,” Oluyede declared, adding that his plans are practical, measurable, and centered on the needs of ordinary citizens.
In addressing internal party dynamics, Oluyede reassured members that his recent reconciliation efforts within the PDP were aimed at fostering unity and ensuring electoral success. He urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and guarantee maximum voter turnout. Factional Chairman Tunji Odeyemi echoed this call, urging members to adopt an “operation win-your-unit” strategy, stressing that victories at the local level would translate into overall electoral success.
Senator Duro Faseyi, a party leader and former lawmaker, described Oluyede’s emergence as the PDP candidate as divinely ordained, urging party members to remain united and focused on the campaign. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Makanjuola Ogundipe, Director General of the Oluyede Campaign Council; Gbenga Faseluka, former Head of Service; Kola Oluwawole, former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; and Kehinde Odebunmi, former lawmaker. Observers believe the call for a public debate and an issue-based campaign could significantly influence voter perception, especially as candidates present competing solutions to Ekiti’s developmental challenges. The upcoming election is expected to be a defining moment for governance in the state, with voters likely to weigh policy proposals against past performance.
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