The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has expressed readiness to begin full-blown campaigns ahead of the June 20 governorship election. A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Oluyede, whom the commission had earlier rejected, as the PDP governorship candidate in the state.

Oluyede, who described the court verdict as a victory for the people, called on the Ekiti electorate, irrespective of their political affiliations, to vote out the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress.

The PDP candidate, in a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Saturday by his Special Adviser, Media, Gani Salau, said, “I can assure the people of Ekiti that our campaign will be issue-based.”

“It will dwell on what I have to offer to transform our dear state for the betterment of every one of us and, at the same time, make things different from the Oyebanji government.”

While thanking the people of Ekiti for the show of love, solidarity and support they had rendered so far, Oluyede urged them to translate the support into reality by voting for him and the PDP in the June 20 governorship election. Meanwhile, the South-West PDP described Oluyede’s legal victory as a wake-up call to intensify campaigns to win more voters.

The South-West zonal publicity secretary of the party, Sanya Atofarati, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, called on all PDP members and supporters across every ward and local government area to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

“The momentum is now with the PDP. Victory is certain. This judgment is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. It reaffirms that no institution is above the law. We congratulate Dr Oluyede, whose candidacy has now been firmly validated by the court.

“We commend the judiciary for its courage in upholding justice. We also appreciate the good people of Ekiti State for their steadfast support and belief in the triumph of justice,” he stated. Prof Adedeji Daramola, the occasion underscores the former President’s enduring legacy of service, leadership, and institution-building. Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described his 89th birthday as a moment of reflection and gratitude.

“This day is more about the grace of God than about age. Longevity should be seen as a responsibility to continue contributing to society,” he said.

Reflecting on his decades in public service—from his role during the Nigerian Civil War to his leadership in government and international engagements—Obasanjo stressed that Africa’s major challenge remains the quality of leadership. He argued that the continent’s difficulties stem less from a lack of resources and more from a deficit of visionary leadership and strong institutions.

Addressing participants at leadership programmes of the institute, Obasanjo urged emerging leaders to see their training as a call to service.

“A single well-formed leader can change the course of history,” he said, urging participants to treat their certificates “not merely as credentials but as mandates to serve with integrity and courage.”

Director of the institute, Martin Agwai, paid tribute to the former President, describing him as a leader whose impact transcends generations.

“He is one of the greatest leaders of this generation, whose impact and contributions to human development are unparalleled,” Agwai said.

He noted that Obasanjo embodies “the rare blend of vision, courage, discipline, empathy, strategic intelligence, and moral clarity that defines transformational leadership.”

Also speaking, Haiti’s Ambassador to South Africa, Jean Pillard, highlighted Obasanjo’s role in promoting African unity and regional cooperation. Pillard said Obasanjo had consistently championed continental integration and institutional development across Africa through diplomacy and strategic engagement.

Published By Anthony Joseph.