Nyesom Wike Endorses PDP Candidate Wole Oluyede For Upcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike endorses PDP's Wole Oluyede for the Ekiti governorship race, aiming to unite the party against incumbent Governor Oyebanji.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 7:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Strategic Alliance Formed in the Federal Capital

The race for the Ekiti State Government House has taken a significant turn as Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, formally aligned himself with the candidacy of Dr. Wole Oluyede. During a high level strategic session held in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor pledged his full support to the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, standard bearer. This endorsement is intended to consolidate the party’s strength and provide the necessary political momentum to secure a victory in the election scheduled for June 20.

Resolving Internal Party Fractions Over Candidacy

Wike’s intervention comes at a critical time for the Ekiti State PDP, which has been divided by leadership disputes. Previously, members loyal to the Minister had refused to recognize Oluyede as the legitimate flag bearer, arguing that his emergence was orchestrated by a rival group led by Tanimu Turaki. However, with the Appellate Court recently affirming Oluyede’s status and Wike now offering an explicit blessing, the internal opposition is expected to dissolve in favor of a unified front against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Impact on the Competitive Landscape in Ekiti

The Wole Oluyede Campaign Organisation has characterized this development as a turning point that has introduced a sense of unease within the camp of the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Press Secretary Idowu Adelusi stated that the outcome of the Abuja meeting effectively positions the PDP as a dominant and united force. By securing the backing of a figure described as a formidable force in Nigerian politics, the Oluyede campaign believes it now possesses the strategic advantage needed to disrupt the current administration's grip on the state.