The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has inaugurated a 20,000-member campaign committee, declaring its readiness to challenge Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 governorship election.
The inauguration, held in Ikere-Ekiti, saw a former governor of the state, Chief Tunji Odeyemi, named chairman of the campaign committee, while a former state PDP chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, emerged as director-general.
Addressing party supporters, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, said the controversy surrounding his candidature and the Independent National Electoral Commission had unexpectedly raised his profile across the state.
Oluyede said the matter, which is already before a court, was purely legal, stressing that his request was simply for INEC to include his name as the duly nominated candidate of the party.
He maintained that the PDP conducted a credible and peaceful primary, adding that all internal disagreements had been resolved through dialogue and lawful processes.In his remarks, Ogundipe expressed confidence in the party’s structure and strategy, saying the PDP was prepared to mobilise dissatisfied voters and end what he described as poor governance in the state.
The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Mr Deji Ogunsakin, also pledged total loyalty to the campaign, saying the PDP remained united and determined to reclaim power despite past challenges.
