The Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has explained his decision to withdraw his legal challenge against the outcome of the poll, saying the move was based on national interest and personal reflection.
Oluyede, who lost to Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, said he chose statesmanship over prolonged litigation, adding that he remained committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement titled ‘Ekiti 2026: The election that should keep 2027 political strategists awake’, made available in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, the PDP candidate said his decision to discontinue the petition was not influenced by any financial inducement or settlement from the APC-led government.
He said the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an endorsement of all aspects of the election process, stressing that the poll provided important lessons on voter participation, grassroots mobilisation and political engagement ahead of 2027.
Oluyede, however, declared that he would work towards the re-election of Tinubu, whom he described as a leader whose administration and Renewed Hope Agenda deserved continued engagement and support.
