As the people of Ekiti State prepare for the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress, it is crucial that they approach this pivotal moment with a clear vision for the future of the state. The decisions made at this congress will have far-reaching implications, and it is incumbent upon the electorate to ensure that the leaders they choose will truly advocate for the interests of all Ekiti citizens, without bias or favoritism.
One of the key issues that must be addressed is the longstanding imbalance in the representation of Ekiti South at the highest levels of state leadership. It is a sobering fact that since the creation of Ekiti State in 1999, the region has never produced a governor. This historical oversight has deprived the people of Ekiti South of the opportunity to have their unique needs and aspirations reflected in the state’s highest office, and it is a wrong that must be righted.
In light of this, the people of Ekiti State should be highly cautious of any individuals from Ekiti South who may be vying for the position of state party chairman. While these individuals may possess personal ambitions, their focus should be on securing the governorship for the region, rather than settling for a lesser position. The people of Ekiti South deserve a governor who will be a tireless advocate for their interests and ensure that their voice is heard at the state level.
It is crucial that the people of Ekiti South refrain from financing the chairmanship ambitions of their own regional candidates. These resources would be far better directed towards supporting a strong gubernatorial candidate who can truly transform the region and address its long-standing needs. The people must not be distracted by individual aspirations, but instead focus on the larger goal of securing meaningful, lasting change for Ekiti South.
The upcoming PDP state congress presents an opportunity for the people of Ekiti to shape the future of their state in a way that promotes equality, fairness, and balanced representation. It is time for the people to reject the narrow interests of those who would seek to elevate themselves at the expense of the greater good. Instead, they must rally behind candidates who will prioritize the collective needs of all Ekiti citizens, regardless of their regional affiliations.
By doing so, the people of Ekiti can send a powerful message that they will no longer tolerate the marginalization of any one region. They can demonstrate that true progress can only be achieved when all voices are heard and all interests are represented. It is a moment of great importance, and the choices made at this congress will reverberate for years to come.
In the end, the choice is clear: the people of Ekiti South must reject the chairmanship aspirations of their own regional candidates, and instead focus their efforts on securing the governorship. Only then can they truly address the longstanding imbalances that have plagued their state, and pave the way for a future of inclusive, responsive, and effective governance.
The people of Ekiti have a profound responsibility in the coming days. They must navigate this critical juncture with wisdom, discernment, and a unwavering commitment to the greater good. By doing so, they can chart a new course for their state – one that celebrates the diversity and potential of all its citizens, and ushers in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity.
The time for change is now. Ekiti South must seize this moment, and use the upcoming PDP state congress as a catalyst for the transformation they so deeply desire. Only then can they truly fulfill the promise of a state that works for everyone, and build a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
As the people of Ekiti prepare ahead of 2026 to make their voices heard, let us all bear witness to the power of their collective resolve. For in the crucible of this pivotal moment, the destiny of an entire state hangs in the balance and the choices they make will echo through the annals of history.
~Julius Bankole, Akindele