By Lateef Ibrahim
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has criticized former governor Ayodele Fayose for endorsing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the decision as a political misjudgment not supported by the administration’s performance.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Oluyede said he respects Fayose’s right to support any candidate but disagreed with his assessment of the incumbent governor.
“I respect Fayose and his right to support whoever he wants. We have no personal issues. But if you ask me, he has made the wrong choice in supporting this government,” Oluyede said.
The PDP flagbearer argued that political endorsements should be based on tangible achievements and measurable improvements in governance, insisting that the Oyebanji administration has not delivered sufficiently in key sectors.
According to him, security and public service delivery remain major concerns in the state, making the endorsement difficult to justify.
“I am disappointed because it suggests that the threshold for endorsing a government has become very low. If you look at the realities on the ground, particularly in security and public service delivery, there is little basis for such an endorsement,” he stated.
Oluyede dismissed suggestions that Fayose’s support for the governor would significantly shape the outcome of the next governorship election, maintaining that voters would make their decisions based on performance rather than political endorsements.
“The people will decide. This election will not be won by endorsements or political declarations. Ekiti people are intelligent and will assess the performance of those seeking their mandate,” he said.
The governorship hopeful also raised concerns about insecurity in the state, alleging that increasing criminal activities have left many residents living in fear.
He criticized what he described as inadequate government responses to security challenges and questioned the condition of security infrastructure, including police facilities.
Oluyede further called for greater transparency in the management of security votes, arguing that citizens deserve accountability regarding resources allocated to addressing insecurity.
According to him, no administration can claim success when residents are unable to move freely or participate in social and community activities without fear.
Despite his criticism of the state government, Oluyede reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his backing for the President predates current political alignments.
He explained that his support for Tinubu was based on conviction rather than political expediency and recalled supporting the President’s ambition even before joining the ruling party.
While acknowledging the economic and governance challenges confronting the country, Oluyede argued that greater progress would be achieved if state governments effectively translated available resources into improved security, infrastructure and public services.
His remarks underscore emerging divisions within Ekiti’s political landscape as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the state’s next governorship election.
