Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have rejected the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, declaring their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The PDP leaders, under the aegis of Concerned Ekiti PDP Members and Supporters, also backed the party’s 2026 governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Wole Oluyede, over his decision to support Tinubu for a second term.
In a statement signed by one of the group’s leaders, Mr. Bayo Lawal, the group described Oluyede’s support for Tinubu as a legitimate political decision, insisting that no individual or faction within the PDP had the authority to dictate the political choices of party members.
The group said Oluyede’s decision should not be interpreted as an abandonment of the PDP, arguing that he remained entitled to make personal political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It said, “Oluyede’s decision to support President Tinubu’s re-election is his legitimate political choice and should not be interpreted as abandoning the PDP.
“PDP belongs to its members, not to any faction or individual. Those claiming to control the party should prove their grassroots strength, rather than rely on statements.”
The group also urged Makinde not to be misled by claims from some political actors that they controlled the Ekiti PDP structure or could deliver the party’s members to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
According to the leaders, such claims did not represent the position of the majority of PDP members across the state.
They specifically cautioned Senator Duro Faseyi and former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, against claiming ownership or control of the party structure, stressing that the PDP belonged to all its members.
The group further defended Oluyede’s right to make his political choice, noting that he had contributed significantly to the survival of the party in the state.
“Oluyede has earned the right to make his political decision. He has sacrificed for the PDP, contested on its platform and spent his personal resources to keep the party alive,” it said.
The leaders alleged that some established interests were uncomfortable with Oluyede’s growing influence among younger party members and grassroots supporters.
They challenged those claiming to enjoy greater support within the party to demonstrate their strength through genuine engagement with members across the state.
The group also challenged Odeyemi to account for resources allegedly received during the 2026 governorship election, asking him to disclose what was received and how the funds were utilised.
It equally called on the PDP to undertake an honest assessment of its performance in the governorship election, particularly the alleged role of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.
The group accused Fayose of supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the election, saying the issue should be separated from his current position on Tinubu’s re-election.
According to the leaders, both Fayose and Oluyede had publicly declared support for the President’s 2027 ambition, but what required examination was Fayose’s alleged conduct during the Ekiti governorship election.
The group called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to protect members who had made genuine sacrifices for the party and create room for a new generation of leadership.
It said members who disagreed with Oluyede’s decision remained free to express their views, but could not dictate his political allegiance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.