The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, Wole Oluyede, has explained why he withdrew his petition challenging Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s victory.

Oluyede insisted that his decision was borne out of statesmanship and the overall interest of Ekiti’s development, and not by financial inducement.

Oluyede, in a statement on Sunday, denied claims that he received money from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, or any individual to discontinue the case, describing the allegations as false.

The PDP candidate said he chose to discontinue the legal battle after wide consultations with political associates and members of his legal team, adding that he considered the broader national interest before making the decision.

Speaking while reflecting on the governorship poll, Oluyede noted that although he had withdrawn the petition, the concerns raised by his campaign about the election’s conduct remained valid.

He added that his decision should not be interpreted as an admission that the governorship election was free, fair, credible and flawless.

Oluyede explained that he initially approached the tribunal to seek clarification on issues his team identified after reviewing election materials, including concerns about BVAS accreditation, voter verification, and election result sheets.

“I did not go to court because I wanted money. I did not go to court looking for a political settlement. I went because I believed I had a responsibility to defend my name, the confidence of those who voted for me and the democratic principles upon which I contested,” he added.

The PDP chieftain also dismissed insinuations that the June 21 visit by Governor Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to his residence was connected to the withdrawal of the petition.

Oluyede said that the visit centred on maintaining cordial political relationships, discussing the welfare of some of his supporters who were detained during the election and the need to work together for the development of Ekiti State.

He, however, lamented that following the visit, some political associates allegedly demanded a share of what they believed was a financial settlement, insisting that no such payment existed.

He also blamed the internal crisis within the PDP for weakening his governorship campaign, alleging that the divisions, legal battles over his candidacy and factionalisation of the national leadership left him without institutional support during the election.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential poll, Oluyede said that supporters of President Bola Tinubu must not take Ekiti for granted, stressing that the contest would be different from the 2026 governorship poll.

He said that the APC should not assume that the outcome of the governorship election guaranteed victory in 2027, noting that the presidential election would attract broader participation and stiffer competition.

Oluyede, who described himself as a longstanding supporter of Tinubu and a pioneer member of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), said the APC should not ignore the PDP’s influence in Ekiti or rely solely on previous election results.

He noted that if President Tinubu want to secure an overwhelming victory in Ekiti in 2027, mobilisation and voter engagement must begin immediately. (The Nation)

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