* Dr Wole Oluyede (in white dress) putting Oluyede Cap on the heads of the
ADC defectors.
By Stephen Adeyinka,Ado Ekiti
Tuesday April 28, 2026
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Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ikere Local Government Area has reportedly collapsed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede.
Ikere-Ekiti, the hometown of Oluyede, witnessed the defection of ADC ward chairmen from 10 out of the 11 political wards in the local government area, alongside their executives and hundreds of party members.
The defectors formally pledged their support for the PDP candidate and his ambition to emerge victorious in the forthcoming election.
In a statement issued by Oluyede’s Special Adviser on Media, Gani Salau, the defecting ward chairmen presented their executives and supporters to PDP leaders and the governorship candidate for formal admission into the party.
Among the defectors were Agboola Daisi of Are/Araromi/Ayetoro/Afao Ward, Clement Adamolekun of Idemo Ward, Noar Ejide Ogidiolu of Ugele Ward, Jimoh Adegoke popularly known as “Iku” from Ogbonjana Ward, and Kola Omoyeni of Ilapetu Ward.
The defectors expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the continued political marginalisation of Ikere-Ekiti since the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, noting that the community had yet to produce a governor.
They described the PDP as the most viable platform to actualise that aspiration and promised to embark on massive grassroots mobilisation in support of Oluyede’s candidacy.
Other ADC leaders who joined the PDP included Jayeola Dayo of Odo Ose Ward, Ayeni Abiodun of Oke Osun Ward, Aluko Olarewaju of Agbado Oyo Ward, and Aruleba Michael of Atiba/Aofin Ward.
The defectors also criticised the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying dissatisfaction with the current administration influenced their decision to leave the ADC.
They further praised Oluyede’s contributions to community development, particularly the establishment of Green Hill Hotel and agricultural investments in Ikere-Ekiti, which they said have created employment opportunities for youths.
In a dramatic moment during the gathering, Mrs Bola Agbola, an ADC councillorship candidate for Are Ward, publicly displayed her nomination form and announced her withdrawal from the forthcoming local government election to join the PDP.
The announcement sparked celebrations among PDP supporters and other defectors present at the event.
Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Kemi Oluyede, wife of the PDP governorship candidate, described the development as a strong indication that Ikere-Ekiti had united behind one of its own.
She urged residents to translate their support into votes during the election and commended women in the community for their solidarity.
Director-General of the Ekiti PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, applauded the defectors for what he described as patriotism and courage, assuring them of equal treatment within the PDP.
Similarly, the PDP chairman in Ikere Local Government, Barrister Sunday Ashana, welcomed the new members and encouraged them to attract more supporters to the party.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Deji Ogunsakin, described the large turnout of defectors as evidence that Ikere-Ekiti was prepared to produce the next governor of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Oluyede expressed appreciation to the defectors and urged residents to reject what he called the “unpopular government” currently in power.
He promised to prioritise power generation through an Independent Power Plant if elected governor.
“I am happy to witness this encouraging development. June 20, 2026 will mark the emancipation of Ekiti State, and I believe it will become a turning point in our history,” Oluyede said.
He also urged voters to remain focused during the election period.
“If they give you money during the election, collect it because it belongs to Ekiti people, but vote according to your conscience,” he added.
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