Ekiti PDP Disowns wike-backed Congress, Stands by Odeyemi as Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State on Wednesday rejected the outcome of a parallel state congress linked to Nyesom Wike, saying it is not valid and does not affect the party’s recognised leadership. The position was made known in Ado-Ekiti by the state chairman, Tunji Odeyemi, who maintained that the current leadership remains in place.

The party said its executives, led by Odeyemi, were elected during a congress held on October 1, 2025, under the supervision of the party’s national body and security agencies. It added that the mandate from that exercise is still active and has not been cancelled by any court.

The crisis followed the emergence of another group of executives led by Lanre Omolase, backed by a faction within the party.

This development came after a Court of Appeal judgment that affected the party’s leadership structure at the national level. However, the Ekiti chapter insisted that the new group has no authority and that its actions do not stand.

Odeyemi also referred to a Federal High Court decision that confirmed Wole Oluyede as the party’s governorship candidate and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise him. He said this ruling has settled earlier disputes over the candidate.

The deputy governorship candidate, Deji Ogunsakin, also backed the party’s position and expressed confidence ahead of the election. He stated that those behind the parallel congress had been suspended and lacked legal backing, adding that any move to impose a new leadership would not stand.

The party maintained that it remains focused on its preparations for the coming election and will not be distracted by internal disagreements, while insisting that its current structure in the state remains intact.