Dr. Wole Oluyede Wins PDP Governorship Ticket for Ekiti 2026 Election

Renowned medical doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2026 election in Ekiti State.

Oluyede secured the party’s ticket after garnering 279 votes to defeat his closest contender, Funsho Ayeni, who polled 239 votes, while Funmi Oguns, the only female aspirant in the contest, received 17 votes.

The PDP primary election, held on Saturday at the Vino Event Centre, Elemi, along Afao Road in Ado-Ekiti, was described as peaceful, transparent, and highly competitive.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies were on ground to monitor the exercise, which party observers commended for its orderly conduct.

Accreditation of delegates commenced around 6:00 p.m., with voting stretching late into the night and concluding in the early hours of Sunday.

Delegates from all 16 local government areas of the state participated in the process.

Dr. Oluyede, who is based in Australia, has a distinguished medical career spanning several countries, including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia.

His extensive international exposure, supporters say, positions him to bring innovative governance and global best practices to Ekiti State.

In his acceptance speech, Oluyede expressed deep appreciation to the party leadership, delegates, and members for their confidence and support.

He dedicated his victory to all members of the PDP, emphasizing unity and collective progress. “I thank every member of our great party who believed in the process and in the vision we share for a greater Ekiti,” he said.“Together, we have shown that internal democracy is alive and thriving in the PDP. There are no losers in this race—only partners working toward a common goal.”

He praised the other aspirants for their maturity and sportsmanship, describing the primary as a model of fairness, transparency, and credibility within the party’s democratic framework.

With the conclusion of the primaries, attention now shifts to the 2026 governorship election, where Dr. Oluyede is expected to lead the PDP’s campaign to reclaim power in Ekiti State.