By Stephen Adeyinka, Ado Ekiti
Tuesday April 14, 2026
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Martins Ibikunle, has thrown his weight behind the party’s governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, describing his emergence as timely to reposition the state.
Ibikunle, who chairs the Advisory Committee of the Oluyede Campaign Organisation, criticised the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the state has been plunged into hardship and underdevelopment.
In a statement issued by the campaign’s Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Ibikunle described the current administration as “governance by pretence,” driven more by political optics than tangible development.
He pointed to what he described as overwhelming public support for Oluyede during recent consultative meetings across Ilejemeje, Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, and Moba local government areas, noting that the turnout reflected growing momentum for change.
According to him, Oluyede represents a blend of competence, compassion, and purposeful leadership, with policy proposals that extend beyond campaign rhetoric.
Ibikunle highlighted key aspects of the PDP candidate’s agenda, including a commitment to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities within six months of assuming office—an obligation he described as a moral duty to retirees. He also referenced Oluyede’s healthcare reform plans, which include leveraging his medical background to strengthen the state’s health system.
On economic development, Ibikunle said Oluyede aims to transform Ekiti into an industrial-driven economy, reducing dependence on federal allocations and creating sustainable growth opportunities.
He, however, dismissed the Oyebanji administration’s “Shared Prosperity” agenda as a political strategy aimed at securing re-election rather than addressing the needs of the people. He alleged that state resources are being diverted toward political patronage at the expense of ordinary citizens.
The PDP chieftain also raised concerns over unpaid pensions, claiming that some retirees have waited over a decade for gratuities despite increased federal allocations to the state.
He further criticised what he described as misplaced priorities, citing the ongoing flyover project in Ado-Ekiti as a “vanity project” with limited economic value, and lack of transparency in project funding, including claims that externally funded projects are being credited to the state government.
Ibikunle concluded that the 2026 governorship election presents a clear choice for Ekiti voters—either to continue with the current administration or embrace what he described as a new direction anchored on accountability, development, and inclusive governance under Oluyede.
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