The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified its position on the controversy surrounding its governorship ticket, insisting that no individual has been formally recognised as the party’s candidate ahead of the next election.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, the State Chairman, Omolase Lanre, said the party was concerned about growing speculation in the public space, particularly claims that Oluwole Oluyede had emerged as a court-imposed or previously recognised candidate of the party.
The PDP stated that while it is actively preparing for the forthcoming governorship election and other contests, its processes remain guided by its constitution and internal democratic structure. It stressed that the party is not the property of any individual, but a collective institution with authority rooted from the grassroots to the national level.
According to the statement, the party has not received any formal communication from Dr. Oluyede indicating his acceptance of, or alignment with, the recognised leadership of the PDP in Ekiti State. It noted that such alignment is a necessary condition for anyone seeking to contest under its platform.
The party further referenced recent court judgments delivered by the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, and the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which it said affirmed the PDP’s leadership structure. It added that following the party’s national convention, where a motion was moved by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Ekiti State Working Committee was duly ratified.
It also pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had officially uploaded the names of key national officers, including the National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, as further confirmation of the party’s recognised leadership.
The PDP alleged that Dr. Oluyede is aligned with a faction it described as the “Turaki-led group,” which it said has been restrained from presenting itself as the national leadership of the party. It warned that any action or claim not emanating from the duly constituted leadership of the PDP would not be recognised.
The party also called on all stakeholders, including security agencies and the public, to disregard any correspondence or engagement carried out in the name of the PDP outside its recognised structure, in order to protect the integrity and unity of the party.
Reiterating its commitment to internal democracy, the PDP maintained that any aspirant seeking its ticket must submit fully to the party’s leadership, respect its constitution, and operate within its established framework.
The party expressed confidence that the clarification would restore order within its ranks and strengthen public trust as preparations continue for the next governorship election in Ekiti State.
