Ekiti Gov. Poll: Defeated PDP Candidate, Oluyede Presents Demands To Victorious Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has made public details of visit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to his residence, a day after the Saturday poll.

The governor who had pleaded for cooperation from other candidates in his first reaction to the election, was accompanied to Oluyede ‘s residence at Ikere, by Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

The PDP candidate revealed that he requested from the flagbearer of All Progressive Congress (APC) and winner of the election, Governor Oyebanji release of his supporters arrested in the wake of preparation for the election.

Earlier, Oluyede had rejected the outcome of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a systemic compromise of the electoral process, ranging from technical failures to open financial inducement.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Adenike Oladiji declared Oyebanji of All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship poll after he secured 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes, while the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ambassador Dare Bejide, came a distant third with 12,872 votes.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on the outcome of the surprise post-election visit by Governor Oyebanji, Oluyede noted that Oyebanji claimed to be unaware of the arrests of his supporters, but gave a firm commitment to look into the actions of the security agencies.

He said the release of his members was the only request he made from him, noting that democracy can’t thrive if individuals are not allowed to thread the path of their convictions.

His words, “If I lost in a free, fair and credible contest, I would have no difficulty accepting the outcome.

“However, if there was widespread negligence, misconduct, intimidation, or disregard for established electoral procedures, then we must confront those realities honestly.

“I am not leaving politics. There is no personal conflict between Governor Oyebanji and myself.

“Politics should not be viewed as warfare. but I am equally committed to principles, accountability and the continuous improvement of our democracy.

“Concerning reports that some of my supporters have been arrested or harassed, I raised the matter directly with Governor Oyebanji during his visit. It was, in fact, the only request I made of him.

“He assured me that he was unaware of the incidents and promised to investigate the matter. I have reasons to believe steps are already being taken to address these concerns.