Ekiti 2026: Emmanuel Fayose disagrees with ex-gov over stance on election

Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, a governorship aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Fayose, has publicly disagreed with his brother and former governor, Ayodele Fayose, over his stance on the forthcoming poll.

The former governor had stated during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday that the incumbent governor from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, would be re-elected for a second term. He advised other aspirants to wait until 2030.

However, Emmanuel, who has declared his intention to contest in next year’s election, said in a statement issued by his campaign team on Saturday that his brother’s position would not deter him from pursuing his mandate for the development of Ekiti State.

The statement added that his ambition is driven by “a genuine desire to rebuild Ekiti through practical leadership and people-centred policies.”

The PDP governorship aspirant argued that the people of the state are yearning for fresh ideas and new leadership, asserting that the current administration has, over the past two and a half years, failed to deliver the expected dividends of democracy.

The statement read:
“This wave of dissatisfaction has provided fertile ground for Emmanuel Fayose’s message to resonate. His campaign emphasises innovation in governance, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and a strong commitment to transparency—an approach that is gaining traction among civil servants, youth groups, and traditional institutions across the state.”

Ayodele Fayose’s track record in recent elections has come under public scrutiny. In 2018, he backed Professor Kolapo Olusola as his preferred successor, but Olusola lost to Kayode Fayemi. In 2022, his endorsement of Bisi Kolawole failed to take the PDP beyond third place. His son, Joju Fayose, also suffered defeat in the 2023 House of Representatives elections—a result many analysts believe signals a shifting tide in Ekiti politics.

“Emmanuel Fayose’s ambition to become the next governor is not a family affair—it is a democratic expression of the people’s desire for change,” the statement continued.

Despite Ayodele Fayose’s televised remarks, Emmanuel has continued his grassroots engagements, stressing that his candidacy is not about personal ambition but about service.

“Ekiti people deserve purposeful leadership. We are not intimidated by opinions; we are inspired by the people’s trust,” he declared.

As the 2026 governorship race begins to take shape, one thing is clear: the decision will not rest with political families or former office holders—it will be made by the people of Ekiti. And right now, all eyes are on Emmanuel Fayose.

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