By Myke Uzendu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has explained that his decision to withdraw his petition challenging the outcome of the poll was informed by statesmanship, reconciliation and the broader national interest.
Oluyede, who also declared support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, said the Ekiti governorship election offered critical lessons that political strategists and stakeholders must study ahead of the next general election.
The former governorship candidate stated this in a statement shared on Sunday with the titled, “Ekiti 2026: The Election That Should Keep 2027 Political Strategists Awake.”
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the June 20 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 319,224 votes.
Oluyede said his initial decision to approach the Election Petition Tribunal was aimed at scrutinising the conduct of the election, seeking the truth and protecting his personal integrity.
“I approached the tribunal seeking the truth, examining the election and clearing my name. I believed the conduct and results of the June 20 election deserved thorough examination,” he said.
According to him, forensic reviews of election results and documents revealed issues that required further scrutiny, but after consultations and careful reflection, he decided to withdraw the petition in the interest of political stability.
“My decision to withdraw the petition followed extensive consultations and personal reflection. I also considered the broader national interest and whether prolonged litigation would ultimately serve the greater political and public good,” he stated.
The PDP candidate, however, insisted that the withdrawal of the case should not diminish the lessons from the election, urging political actors to study issues such as voter turnout, alleged irregularities involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), security deployment, voter inducement, result management and the treatment of opposition parties.
He stressed that understanding the voting pattern and dynamics of the Ekiti election would be essential for parties preparing for the 2027 polls.
“We must study the 2026 Ekiti results carefully. The work for 2027 must begin with genuine grassroots mobilisation, meaningful engagement with voters and a clear understanding of the issues that matter to the people,” he said.
Oluyede also dismissed claims that he received financial inducement following a post-election visit by Governor Oyebanji and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
He described the meeting as cordial and centred on their longstanding relationship and discussions on the development of Ekiti State.
