A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election, with the party’s 2026 governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, calling on members and supporters to embrace a strategic political realignment.
The declaration was made on Wednesday, at Eagle Hall, Ado-Ekiti, during the inaugural meeting of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), a political initiative established to mobilise support for President Tinubu.
The meeting was attended by PDP leaders, youths and members from Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Oye, Ilejemeje, Ekiti West, Ekiti East, Ikole, Ido-Osi and other parts of the state, as well as representatives of other political parties.
Chairman of OPARHA, Chief Ogundipe Makajuola, welcomed participants and commended party leaders and youths for their commitment to the initiative. He said the meeting was aimed at providing a platform for members to exchange ideas and discuss a new political direction for Ekiti State. Also speaking, Hon. Wale expressed concern over the huge financial resources allegedly expended during previous elections without corresponding electoral success. He urged party members to learn from past experiences and adopt a more effective strategy ahead of future elections.
Oluyede, while explaining his decision to support Tinubu, said political interests should at times give way to broader considerations affecting the people and the country.
He stressed that he remained a member of the PDP but had voluntarily chosen to support Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that his decision was not induced by any financial consideration.
According to him, supporting the President does not mean he is defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There is no space for me in the APC,” Oluyede said, explaining that he left the party about seven years ago and had no intention of returning.
He urged his supporters not to abandon the PDP because of the new political alignment, stressing that the immediate objective was to mobilise support for Tinubu’s successful re-election in 2027.
The PDP chieftain also disclosed plans to reveal details of funds allegedly spent during the last governorship election, including the amounts involved and those who allegedly received them.
He said the disclosure would be made within six weeks, while urging his supporters not to be discouraged by the outcome of the previous election.
Oluyede also recalled the absence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whom he described as a potential South-West political leader, during the election period.
The Chairman of Ekiti West Local Government, Hon. Olakunle, also backed the mobilisation for Tinubu, noting that the PDP currently lacked representation in some major elective positions in the state.
He referenced the political position of former Ekiti Governor, Ayo Fayose, and urged PDP members to carefully assess the prevailing political realities and adopt a strategic approach ahead of 2027.
