The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Saturday, June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has symbolically shown the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking re-election, a “red card,” declaring that the governor would be voted out of office at the polls.
Oluyede made the declaration during the PDP’s grand finale governorship campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, where he expressed confidence in his chances of defeating the incumbent governor at the polls.
“I have given Oyebanji a red card today. In football, a red card means dismissal. Consequently, I have expelled him from the Government House and secured freedom for the people of Ekiti,” Oluyede said.
The PDP candidate maintained that he would emerge victorious in the election, insisting that many Ekiti residents were dissatisfied with the current administration.
“The people of Ekiti, whom I believe have been impoverished under the present administration, are ready to support me and vote for change. The June 20 election is not just about the PDP; it is about all Ekiti people who desire a better future,” he said.
Oluyede described the election as a “freedom fight” and urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and also protect their votes.
“Your vote is your power. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you. Arrive at your polling units early and ensure that the ballot boxes are empty before voting begins. After casting your votes, remain at the polling units and monitor the process until the votes are counted and recorded,” he said.
He encouraged voters to follow the electoral process through to the collation stage and expressed confidence that security agencies would provide adequate protection throughout the exercise.
Oluyede also advised voters not to sell their votes, stressing that the future of the state depended on the choices they would make in the election.
Oluyede questioned the impact of the federal allocations received by the Ekiti State Government in the last three and a half years under the current administration of Oyebanji.
According to him, the state deserves better infrastructure and development outcomes, considering the level of resources available to the government.
He urged residents to make informed decisions during the election and vote massively for the PDP for a better future for Ekiti State.
“If anyone offers you money, that is your personal decision. However, vote for the PDP by thumb-printing the Umbrella symbol on the ballot paper if you desire a better future for Ekiti State.
“Do not be deceived by fake news and propaganda. That is their stock-in-trade. Many stories and allegations may surface before election day, but you should ignore them. They have failed the people. God has made me the David who will defeat and humble their Goliath,” Oluyede added.
