Ekiti Gov. Election : SDP Disowns Candidate, Urges Members To Vote For APC Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Less than 48 hours to the governorship election in Ekiti State, The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned Peter Obafemi as its candidate.

The party, in a social media post accused Obafemi of not relating with leadership of the party since his emergence as candidate.

The party has therefore advised it’s supporters to come out enmasse on Saturday and cast their vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The post reads “The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ekiti State Chapter, has officially distanced itself from its governorship candidate, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, over what the party described as a lack of commitment to the party’s activities and electoral process.

“Speaking after an extensive deliberation, the party expressed disappointment in the conduct of Otunba Peter Obafemi, alleging that since emerging as the party’s candidate, he has failed to participate in party functions and activities across the state.

“According to the party, the candidate has neither engaged with the party structure from the state level down to the ward level nor embarked on any meaningful campaign across Ekiti State.

“The SDP leadership further described his actions as detrimental to the party’s collective interests, accusing him of treating the party’s governorship ticket as a personal venture rather than a platform for genuine political engagement.

“The party stated that his absence from critical party engagements and inability to mobilize support have left members disappointed and frustrated ahead of the governorship election.

“Consequently, after what it described as a vigorous and unanimous deliberation, the Ekiti State chapter of the SDP resolved to support the re-election bid of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

“While reaffirming its identity and existence as an independent political party, the SDP announced its endorsement of Governor Oyebanji for a second term, citing the need to align with what it considers the best interest of Ekiti State and its people.

“The party emphasized that despite its decision to endorse Governor Oyebanji, the SDP remains a distinct political platform committed to the advancement of democratic values and the development of Ekiti State.

“This decision is in line with the collective resolution of the party to support BAO’s re-election bid and enable him to continue the developmental strides being witnessed across Ekiti State.

“The SDP maintains that the priority of every well-meaning citizen should be to support a credible leader who can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

“The party believes that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has demonstrated exceptional leadership, with his performance and achievements evident across various sectors of the state.”