Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have raised concerns over alleged secret moves by some party members to overturn the outcome of the recently concluded governorship primary that produced Wole Oluyede as the party’s flag bearer.
The leaders warned that any attempt to tamper with the result could destabilize the party and undermine its chances in the forthcoming election.
Addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, Honorable Deji Ogunsakin, a prominent PDP chieftain, cautioned that certain individuals were “secretly working hand-in-hand with opposition elements” to cause division within the party.
“We have received conflicting information about moves to destroy the Ekiti PDP from within,” Ogunsakin said.
“The primaries were conducted transparently and credibly by the Ekiti people, but some people are plotting to alter the results after the conclusion.”
According to Ogunsakin, Senator Abdul Ningi, a seasoned lawmaker, had earlier conducted the ward and local congresses peacefully and credibly before “some individuals went behind to manipulate it.”
He noted that the situation worsened after the governorship primary, which was supervised by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, where the election reportedly ended without violence or irregularities.
“The people of Ekiti PDP have spoken clearly. They chose Dr. Wole Oluyede as their candidate, and no amount of interference can change that. We will not accept any attempt to overturn the decision of the people,” Ogunsakin emphasized.
He also dismissed insinuations that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the PDP leader in the South-West, was behind the alleged plot, describing him as “a reputable and respected leader” who had always promoted fairness within the party.
“Governor Makinde has been fair. He recommended credible people to supervise our congresses. Anyone trying to drag his name into this is being mischievous,” he added.
Speaking in the same vein, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, a former Ekiti PDP Chairman, appealed to party leaders at all levels to intervene and protect the integrity of the primary election.
“Anyone who loves PDP and Ekiti State must rise now. Dr. Oluyede is our candidate, and he will win this election. We must begin full reconciliation immediately and move forward as one united family,” Ogundipe stated.
Also lending his voice, Honourable Segun Adekola, a former member of the House of Representatives, reiterated that the people’s choice must be respected. “We have spoken, and we have picked a credible candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, whom he described as enjoying the overwhelming support of the members of the PDP in Ekiti State. Ekiti is winnable for PDP, and the people are ready to deliver victory,” Adekola said.
“We urge our leaders in the South-West and at the national level to help sustain what we have achieved. Any attempt to tamper with this result will destroy everything we have built.”
Adekola added that the emergence of Oluyede as the PDP candidate had already unsettled the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, expressing confidence that the PDP was now better positioned to reclaim power in next year’s governorship election.
“The moment we elected Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, even the APC knew the game had changed. Governor Oyebanji should start preparing his handover note,” he said confidently.
“We know PDP is not dead in Ekiti; this election is ours to win.” The Ekiti PDP primary, held under tight security and supervision, produced Dr. Wole Oluyede after what party members described as a transparent and peaceful process.
However, the controversy over alleged attempts to manipulate the results has rekindled old divisions within the state chapter.
Party elders and stakeholders are now calling on the PDP national leadership to step in, uphold the integrity of the process, and prevent another internal crisis that could jeopardize the party’s chances in the coming elections.
