Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, Wole Oluyede, poses no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Bamidele said the APC was heading into the June 20 governorship election with overwhelming advantage, attributing his confidence to the virile support base of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, especially the backing of Former Governor Ayo Fayose and Senator Biodun Olujimi who were previously strong actors within the PDP.
The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District who spoke on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting, explained that recent political realignments in the state had weakened the opposition and strengthened the ruling party’s chances at the polls.
‘Today, I can confidently say that the PDP votes we had in 2022 have changed significantly. There is no Chief Eleka on the ballot this time. I am not saying there is no PDP, but by the grace of God, you know we own PDP in Ekiti today,’ Bamidele said.
He added that the PDP structure in the state had become fragmented, with major blocs now aligning with the APC and irrevocably committed to Governor Oyebanji re-election bid.
‘What was known as the original PDP in this state was under two important figures; our leader, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, and another faction led by Senator Biodun Olujimi. Today, Fayose is working for this campaign, and Senator Olujimi is not only working but also a major stakeholder in our party and has contributed immensely to the campaign council,’ he added.
Despite expressing confidence in APC’s chances, Bamidele urged party members not to become complacent, warning that victory could only be secured through sustained grassroots mobilisation and unity.
The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District said that the party was targeting no fewer than 500,000 votes and called on APC members to intensify their efforts across all local government areas.
Bamidele also assured party faithful that APC leadership and Governor Oyebanji had put adequate measures in place to ensure a successful election.