Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, a governorship hopeful in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, has declared that he is the best candidate to unseat incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the 2026 election.
Fayose, who is the younger brother of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration for what he described as gross incompetence in managing the state’s affairs over the past three years.
In a statement issued by his media office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, he urged PDP members to stay resolute in their bid to reclaim the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the people of Ekiti are fed up with the current leadership.
“Unfortunately, despite the vast and numerous resources available to Ekiti State, it remains an underachiever in all parameters,” he said.
Fayose accused the APC government of prioritizing political elites over the general populace, leading to widespread hardship.
Expressing confidence in his chances, he said: “The people of Ekiti State, who are yearning for good governance, are ready for a change and have expressed their preference for both the PDP and my candidature to lead the charge.”
He further dismissed endorsements of Oyebanji by elites, including his elder brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, insisting that the masses, not the political class, would decide the outcome of the election.
“What will eventually play out is a people’s revolt at the ballot against bad governance. Unfortunately, endorsements from former leaders will not be able to save Oyebanji and his team from being roundly defeated at the polls,” he added.
