The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday demonstrated what many observers described as its growing grassroots strength in Ekiti State as thousands of supporters thronged the Great Eagle Hall on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, for the grand finale of the party’s governorship campaign rally ahead of the June 20 election.
The massive turnout caused heavy traffic congestion along the busy Ikere Road axis, with supporters, party faithful, and residents flooding the venue and adjoining streets in what party leaders described as a show of readiness to reclaim power in the state, reports Sunday Independent.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, urged Ekiti voters to come out in large numbers on election day and vote for the PDP, declaring that the time had come for a new direction in the state’s governance.
Oluyede, who repeatedly received loud cheers from supporters, accused the incumbent administration of failing to meet the expectations of the people and called on residents to join what he described as a collective mission to rescue and rebuild Ekiti State.
“We must work together to liberate our state from poor governance and restore hope to our people. The future of Ekiti is in our hands, and together we can make a difference,” he said.
A major highlight of the rally was the presence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The senator described Oluyede as an accomplished medical practitioner and a leader whose political aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of Ekiti people.
According to her, the PDP candidate possesses the vision, competence, and compassion required to provide purposeful leadership for the state.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluwakemi Oluyede, wife of the governorship candidate, appealed to women across the state to mobilise support for the PDP, assuring them that women and children would receive greater attention under an Oluyede administration.
She stressed the importance of female participation in governance and urged women to stand firmly behind the party’s quest for victory at the polls.
In his remarks, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, criticised the current administration for what he termed insensitivity to the plight of ordinary citizens, insisting that Ekiti deserved a government that prioritises the welfare and well-being of its people.
Several residents who attended the rally expressed dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs in the state, claiming that they had not witnessed sufficient development despite nearly four years of the current administration.
They maintained that the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for change and a chance to chart a new course for the state.
The rally also featured cultural displays and musical performances, with popular Fuji artiste Taiye Currency entertaining the crowd and adding excitement to the event.
Political observers noted that the turnout at the rally underscored the PDP’s determination to challenge the ruling party in the forthcoming election. They said the June 20 governorship poll could prove highly competitive and potentially reshape the political landscape of Ekiti State.
As campaigns draw to a close, attention now shifts to the electorate, who will decide whether to return the incumbent administration or entrust the state’s leadership to a new government under the PDP.
For many supporters at the rally, however, the message was clear: the battle for Ekiti Government House is far from settled.
