Peter Obafemi, a governorship aspirant in Ekiti State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a pointed critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, characterizing its three-year tenure as marked by underwhelming performance. Obafemi, an aviation expert, expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects of reclaiming power in the state, citing widespread public dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance. During his official declaration to contest the 2026 governorship election in Ado Ekiti, he underscored the importance of unity within the PDP, emphasizing that a cohesive and robust party structure is essential to replicate the electoral triumphs of 2003 and 2014. He framed his candidacy as a mission to “rescue” Ekiti State and its people, pledging to prioritize peace, security, economic prosperity, and prudent financial management under the banner of “Ekiti first.”
Obafemi’s critique of the APC government centered on what he perceived as a lack of tangible achievements. He challenged the public to assess the government’s performance, asserting that their scrutiny would reveal a dearth of visible progress. He portrayed Ekiti as languishing in a prolonged state of underdevelopment, characterizing the past 29 years of the state’s existence as a period of stagnation. He further broadened his critique to encompass issues of inequality, injustice, and corruption, lamenting the suppression of marginalized voices. He positioned his candidacy as a response to these perceived failures, promising to usher in a new era of progress and responsiveness to the needs of the people.
The governorship aspirant’s declaration emphasized his personal commitment to serving the people of Ekiti. He presented himself as a candidate driven by a desire to improve the lives of citizens and their communities. He framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment in the state’s history, emphasizing the profound impact the choice of leadership would have on Ekiti’s future trajectory. He vowed to leverage his extensive experience in public service, private enterprise, and community engagement to address the state’s challenges and build a government characterized by innovation, inclusivity, integrity, and honesty. This experience, he argued, would be instrumental in steering Ekiti towards a more prosperous and equitable future.
Obafemi reiterated his commitment to securing the PDP’s nomination and ultimately winning the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026. He expressed gratitude for the support he had received from party members, attributing his confidence in victory to their backing. He emphasized his determination to unseat the incumbent APC government and reinstate the PDP’s leadership in Ekiti. This, he argued, would pave the way for the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at revitalizing the state’s economy, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all citizens.
Kunle Ogunjobi, Director General of the Peter Obafemi Organisation, echoed the candidate’s sentiments, urging PDP members to maintain their commitment and dedication to the party’s cause. He framed the upcoming election as a crucial battle for the future of Ekiti State, emphasizing the importance of securing the party’s victory to ensure the welfare of the people and uphold the dignity of the PDP. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to providing responsible leadership, implementing good governance practices, and prioritizing people-centered policies. This commitment, he argued, would be reflected in efforts to revitalize the economy, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for all residents of Ekiti.
Obafemi’s declaration underscores the intensifying political landscape in Ekiti State as the 2026 governorship election approaches. His criticisms of the APC government, coupled with his promises of transformative leadership, set the stage for a potentially contentious campaign. The success of his bid will depend on his ability to consolidate support within the PDP, effectively communicate his vision to the electorate, and convince voters that he represents a viable alternative to the current administration. The coming months will likely witness increased political activity as various aspirants vie for the governorship, promising diverse approaches to addressing the challenges facing Ekiti State.
