*By Dr. Oluwole Oluyede*
My dear people of Ekiti,
Today, I speak to you not merely as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but as your brother, your son and a proud Ekiti man whose greatest aspiration has always been to see our beloved State attain the greatness its people truly deserve.
First and foremost, I return all glory to Almighty God, whose grace sustained us throughout one of the most remarkable political journeys in the history of our State.
From the depth of my heart, I wish to express my profound appreciation to every Ekiti son and daughter who believed in our vision for a better, more inclusive and prosperous Ekiti State.
To those who prayed for us, campaigned tirelessly, sacrificed their time and resources; encouraged us when the road became difficult, stood under the rain and the scorching sun, defended democracy with courage and voted according to their conscience, I say thank you from the depth of my heart.
The official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) credited our great party with 40,543 votes. To every one of you who stood firmly with us and refused to exchange your conscience for pittance, I owe you a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot express. I am proud of you.
I am proud of every young person who believed that Ekiti deserves better.
I am proud of every woman whose prayers sustained this movement.
I am proud of every elderly citizen who stood patiently in line because you believed that your vote could shape the future of our State.
Above all, I am proud to call myself an Ekiti son because this election demonstrated that there are still thousands of courageous men and women whose love for Ekiti cannot be purchased with money or political promises.
With my faith in God, the confidence of other determined compatriots and support of progressive people of Ekiti State, we embarked on a journey that many considered impossible. Without the backing of any serving governor, former governor or influential national political leader, we built a movement driven solely by the courage, resilience and determination of ordinary Ekiti men and women who refused to surrender hope.
Today, I can proudly say that the people of Ekiti have answered those voices more eloquently than I ever could. Through your unwavering support, your sacrifices and your belief in a better future, you proved that the Peoples Democratic Party is alive, resilient and deeply rooted in the hearts of our people.
This campaign was not merely about winning an election; it was about restoring hope, an attempt to genuinely offer the electorate credible alternative in the spirit of true democracy.
My mission during the campaign was greater than seeking public office. Long before election day, I fought legal battles to assure there is formidable opposition on the ballot because I believed every Ekiti citizen deserved the opportunity to choose freely. I am grateful for the doggedness of my legal team and humbled by the validation of the judiciary -
As for to what occurred on 20/6/26 my positions are:
Based on reports received from our polling agents across the sixteen Local Government Areas, and civilized assessment, one can't but conclude that the exercise fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti or the nation deserve.
The widespread voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination.
As someone who has great respect for the Office of the President and for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I believe actions taken afterwards should be guided by wisdom, responsibility and consideration for our democratic integrity.
For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, and members of my legal team.
In due course, I will brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those deliberations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from the gubernatorial polls.
Whatever the eventual decision, I assure you it will be founded on objectivity, guided by the interest of our teeming supporters and the long term wellbeing of the beloved entity we know as our state of origin.
To every supporter who stood with us throughout this journey, let me assure you that your sacrifices were not in vain.
You have strengthened my faith for a better State.
You have renewed my conviction that selfless public service shouldn't just be a dream.
You have encourage my determination.
I will never abandon you.
I will continue to stand with you.
I will continue to speak for you.
I will continue to defend the interests of Ekiti State.
History would register our efforts, Grace knows our intentions and may Providence actualize it.
Together, we shall continue this journey with faith, courage, unity and hope until Ekiti State attains the greatness our people deserve.
May Almighty God favor every family that stood for truth, exalt the territory designated as Ekiti State and bless our dear nation Nigeria.
Dr. Oluwole Oluyede
Governorship Candidate
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
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