Jun 15, 2026

Stabbed in the Back: Odeyemi Claims Oluyede Sold Out the Loyalists Who Won Him the PDP Ticket

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State – June 15, 2026 — In a sharp escalation of the lingering leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, former Acting Governor and State Chairman Tunji Odeyemi has accused Dr. Wole Oluyede, the party’s governorship candidate, of breaching trust and betraying supporters who backed his ambition. Odeyemi, who leads one faction of the state PDP executive, did not mince words in his criticism: “Dr. Oluyede’s acceptance of Omolase as PDP State Chairman is a breach of trust and a betrayal of those who supported his Gubernatorial ambition. It undermines our sacrifices and has made it difficult for me to trust his leadership.”

Deepening Factional Rift The statement reflects the persistent division between the Odeyemi-led executive — which has consistently affirmed Oluyede as the authentic governorship candidate following court victories — and the rival group led by Lanre Omolase, an ally of former Governor Ayodele Fayose and reportedly backed by the Nyesom Wike-aligned national faction.

Oluyede, a medical practitioner and businessman who emerged as the PDP flagbearer after a contentious primary, has faced pressure from both sides to align clearly with one executive structure.

While courts have repeatedly affirmed his candidacy and directed INEC to recognise him, the parallel claims over the state party leadership continue to create uncertainty and internal friction just days before the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

Odeyemi’s outburst suggests that Oluyede may have taken steps — or signalled willingness — to engage with or recognise the Omolase-led executive, a move Odeyemi views as a direct stab in the back to loyalists who stood by the candidate through legal battles and party primaries.

Context of the Crisis The Ekiti PDP has been fractured for months, with rival congresses, court cases, and competing claims of legitimacy.

The Odeyemi faction has rejected a parallel state congress allegedly backed by external forces and insists on its own mandate.

Meanwhile, the Omolase group has positioned itself as the authentic leadership and previously urged Oluyede to dissolve the Odeyemi-led structure and fully integrate with them.

This latest accusation comes at a critical moment, as the PDP seeks to capitalise on perceived dissatisfaction with the ruling APC administration and mount a credible challenge in the governorship race.

Implications for the Campaign

Odeyemi’s strong language highlights the risk of disunity derailing the PDP’s chances. Supporters of the candidate have worked hard to project cohesion, with large rallies and grassroots mobilisation in recent weeks.

However, public displays of distrust from key party leaders could erode confidence and hand ammunition to opponents.

As the election approaches, analysts warn that continued infighting may weaken the party’s structure at the ward and local government levels, where mobilisation matters most.

Oluyede’s camp has not yet issued a detailed response to Odeyemi’s claims, but the situation demands swift reconciliation efforts if the PDP hopes to present a united front.

This development underscores the complex internal dynamics within Nigeria’s main opposition party, where factional loyalty often clashes with the broader goal of electoral victory.

Further statements from the involved parties and possible interventions by national PDP leadership are expected in the coming days.