The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, Dr Oluyede Oluwole, has received his Certificate of Return in Abuja.
Dr Oluwole, while receiving the certificate, expressed joy over the support he received from the PDP and the people of Ekiti State.
“I want to thank the leadership of our great party under the National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, party faithful, friends, supporters, ladies and gentlemen. Today, I stand before you deeply humbled, profoundly grateful to God, and fully committed to the responsibility entrusted to me.
“Receiving this Certificate of Return is not a personal honour; it is a mandate, a call to serve, and a testament to the collective will of our great party and the good people of Ekiti State.”
#RebirthPDP: Presentation of Certificate of Return to the @OfficialPDPNig Guber Candidate in Ekiti State https://t.co/LG4PnqRZ2J
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) December 10, 2025
He thanked the PDP leadership at both national and state levels for ensuring a transparent and credible primary election and commended the delegates for exercising their voting rights responsibly.
Dr Oluwole also acknowledged his co-aspirants for enriching the democratic process.
“Today we are all winners, and Ekiti State is the greatest winner of all.”
He extended appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing strong leadership and support throughout the ad hoc delegates’ congress and the governorship primaries.
He similarly thanked Senator Abdul Mlingi and Ibrahim Dankwambo, who chaired the delegate congress and governorship primaries, respectively, noting that their commitment to fairness strengthened the credibility of the exercise.
Addressing Ekiti residents, he said, “This victory is not about Dr Wole Oluyede. It is about you—your hopes, dreams, and desire for a government that listens, cares, and delivers.
“Ekiti is a land of brilliance, courage, and immense potential, yet governance failures have slowed our progress. Our mission is clear: to restore good governance, revive our economy, uplift our communities, strengthen security, and return Ekiti to the path of lasting prosperity.”
He promised to prioritise functional and globally competitive education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment, and security across all communities.
Dr Oluwole appealed to party members to unite ahead of the general election and urged co-aspirants who have gone to court to reconsider.
“It is your right to seek redress, but I urge you to sheath your swords. Only one candidate can emerge at a time. Court cases are needless distractions and risk sending the wrong message about our unity.”
He concluded with a pledge of service.
“I will serve with integrity, humility, dedication, and compassion. This certificate is a covenant of service. By God’s grace and with your support, we shall celebrate an even greater victory at the polls next June.”
National Chairman Reaffirms Oluwole’s Candidacy
Earlier, the PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, commended the party faithful for their unity and turnout at the presentation ceremony.
He stated that the presence of key PDP leaders, former governors, former ministers, National Assembly members, and founding members of the party was a clear affirmation of the party’s strength and cohesion.
He declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises the activities of the PDP, thereby validating the candidacy of Dr Oluwole Oluyede.
Quoting a legal maxim, Turaki said, “Res ipsa loquitur,-the thing speaks for itself. Nigerians have today seen the crème de la crème of the PDP. A strong statement has been made.
“This is PDP. This is where the PDP is. And this is where the PDP will continue to be.”
He then invited Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the returning officer, along with other national officers, to publicly sign the Certificate of Return before presenting it to Dr Oluwole.