Ekiti Election: PDP NWC, Wike Endorse Oluyede Two Days to Poll

The Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee, alongside FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, formally endorsed Oluwole Oluyede as the party’s candidate for the Ekiti State governorship election just two days before voters go to the polls on June 20, 2026.

The endorsement, delivered through the PDP National Woman Leader, was seen as an effort to consolidate party unity behind Oluyede’s campaign in the final stretch, following weeks of internal friction triggered by former Governor Ayo Fayose’s controversial remarks linking the Oyo State government to the school abduction crisis.

Wike’s Endorsement Carries Political Weight

Wike’s public backing carries particular significance given his standing within the PDP and his role as a kingmaker in several recent intra-party disputes. Analysts said the endorsement was intended to signal that the party’s national leadership remained fully behind Oluyede, despite Fayose’s earlier comments that had embarrassed the campaign and drawn condemnation from Governor Seyi Makinde’s allies.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also rallied support for Oluyede this week, joining other PDP leaders in grassroots mobilisation across the state. Oluyede’s campaign has focused heavily on alleged governance failures under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, including the workers’ strike that disrupted state operations last week.

APC Remains Confident Despite Late PDP Push

However, the APC dismissed the late endorsement push as a sign of opposition desperation, with the party maintaining that Oyebanji’s development record would secure him a comfortable second term. Furthermore, pre-election surveys have continued to show the incumbent governor with a substantial lead. Consequently, the PDP’s late unity drive may shape turnout in opposition strongholds but is unlikely, according to most analysts, to change the overall outcome expected on June 20.