The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Oluwole Oluyede, has rejected claims that next month’s governorship election will be a mere coronation for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress.
Oluyede described such claims as undemocratic and capable of discouraging voter participation ahead of the June 20 election.
In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday through his media aide, Gani Salau, the PDP candidate faulted a publication titled, “Ekiti ’26: June 20 will be coronation, not election day for BAO.”
He described the publication as “self-indulgent and intellectually dishonest,” accusing its author of promoting a misleading narrative about the election.
Oluyede said: “Ekiti is not a kingdom, and June 20, 2026 cannot be reduced to a coronation. It will be a contest of ideas, credibility, and the free will of the people.”
According to him, portraying the election outcome as predetermined raises concerns about respect for voters and democratic principles.
He said Ekiti people are known for making independent political decisions and should not be treated as passive observers in deciding the future of the state.
The PDP candidate also challenged portrayals of the current administration as flawless, insisting residents are still facing serious challenges.
He said: “The realities facing Ekiti residents tell a different story. Challenges such as unemployment, struggling small businesses, and inadequate infrastructure in rural communities in the state are among key issues requiring attention.”
Oluyede rejected suggestions that opposition parties in the state are irrelevant, stressing that opposition remains important for accountability and democratic alternatives.
He urged political actors, security agencies, the media and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a credible process.
He also called on residents to participate freely in the election.
He said: “Ekiti belongs to its people. June 20, 2026, will not be a coronation; it will be a decision made by the people.”
