By Oluwagbemiga Toye
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has challenged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to a public debate ahead of the June 20, 2026 election, as he unveiled a set of policy proposals aimed at addressing what he described as governance shortcomings under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oluyede threw the challenge during a strategic meeting with party members drawn from the 177 wards across the state, held in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday. He said the debate would provide an opportunity for both candidates to clearly outline their plans and allow citizens to make informed choices.
The PDP candidate identified key areas where the current administration has underperformed, including delayed gratuity payments, limited access to affordable healthcare, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and inadequate grassroots economic stimulation.To tackle these issues, Oluyede proposed a structured and transparent gratuity payment plan to clear arrears owed to retirees, noting that restoring confidence in the system would boost morale among public servants.
He also pledged to introduce a comprehensive and affordable health insurance scheme designed to reach vulnerable populations, especially in rural communities.
On job creation, Oluyede outlined plans to stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises through targeted grants, vocational training, and public-private partnerships. He emphasized agriculture and agro-processing as key sectors that could absorb thousands of unemployed youths if properly funded and managed.
“We are ready to be held accountable by Ekiti people. Our plans are practical, measurable, and people-focused,” Oluyede said, stressing his willingness to answer questions from citizens on his vision for the state.
Addressing concerns over his recent reconciliation moves within the party, Oluyede urged members not to feel alienated, describing the effort as necessary for unity and electoral victory. He called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and ensure maximum voter turnout.
Earlier, factional Chairman of PDP , Tunji Odeyemi, charged members to adopt an “operation win-your-unit” strategy, emphasizing that success at the unit level would translate into overall victory at the polls.
Also speaking, party leader and former lawmaker, Senator Duro Faseyi, described Oluyede’s emergence as the party’s candidate as divinely ordained, urging members to remain united and committed to the campaign.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Oluyede Campaign Council, Makanjuola Ogundipe; former Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka; former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole; and former lawmaker, Kehinde Odebunmi.as they believed the call for a public debate and issue-based campaign may shape voters perception, particularly as candidates present competing solutions to Ekiti’s developmental challenges.
