The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Saturday, June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has symbolically shown the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking re-election, a “red card,” declaring that the governor would be voted out of office at the polls.

Oluyede made the declaration during the PDP’s grand finale governorship campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, where he expressed confidence in his chances of defeating the incumbent governor at the polls.

“I have given Oyebanji a red card today. In football, a red card means dismissal. Consequently, I have expelled him from the Government House and secured freedom for the people of Ekiti,” Oluyede said.

The PDP candidate maintained that he would emerge victorious in the election, insisting that many Ekiti residents were dissatisfied with the current administration.

“The people of Ekiti, whom I believe have been impoverished under the present administration, are ready to support me and vote for change. The June 20 election is not just about the PDP; it is about all Ekiti people who desire a better future,” he said.

Oluyede described the election as a “freedom fight” and urged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and also protect their votes.

“Your vote is your power. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you. Arrive at your polling units early and ensure that the ballot boxes are empty before voting begins. After casting your votes, remain at the polling units and monitor the process until the votes are counted and recorded,” he said.

He encouraged voters to follow the electoral process through to the collation stage and expressed confidence that security agencies would provide adequate protection throughout the exercise.

Oluyede also advised voters not to sell their votes, stressing that the future of the state depended on the choices they would make in the election.

Oluyede questioned the impact of the federal allocations received by the Ekiti State Government in the last three and a half years under the current administration of Oyebanji.

According to him, the state deserves better infrastructure and development outcomes, considering the level of resources available to the government.

He urged residents to make informed decisions during the election and vote massively for the PDP for a better future for Ekiti State.

“If anyone offers you money, that is your personal decision. However, vote for the PDP by thumb-printing the Umbrella symbol on the ballot paper if you desire a better future for Ekiti State.

“Do not be deceived by fake news and propaganda. That is their stock-in-trade. Many stories and allegations may surface before election day, but you should ignore them. They have failed the people. God has made me the David who will defeat and humble their Goliath,” Oluyede added.

Timi Frank, former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the recent Abuja High Court judgment deregistering the African Democratic Congress and political parties is a recipe for an incoming national crisis nationwide. 

Recall that Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Abuja, in a ruling on Monday, had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, and others from participating in the 2027 general election. 

The judgment had stirred concerns among Nigerians. 

ADC, however, announced a plan to appeal the judgment. 

 Reacting to the judgment, Timi Frank, in a statement on Monday, said it was an attempt to eliminate major opposition platforms, noting that it could trigger a national crisis and undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He called on President Donald Trump of the United States and members of the international community to urgently intervene to preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democracy alive. 

“The judgment came suddenly without prior notice to the parties involved. From the information available to us, it appeared that the judgment had been prepared elsewhere and simply delivered by the court,” he alleged.

“Nobody knew about it. There was no information and no briefing, even to the lawyers representing the parties. The judgment was given suddenly. It was something they plotted and cooked up to make it look legitimate without even notifying the parties involved,” Frank alleged.

He described the ruling as a “mystery judgment.” Frank alleged that it was orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political outcome.

“From the information we received, the judgment was written elsewhere and handed to the judge. The Office of the Attorney General wrote the script, and the judge merely played out that script,” he alleged.

Frank further alleged that the reported move to deregister opposition parties was part of a broader campaign to weaken political opposition and consolidate power.

“It must be noted that any attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and those working with him to deregister political parties, particularly major opposition parties such as the ADC, will give rise to a crisis that may be difficult to contain,” he said.

“The time has come for all lovers of democracy to rise in defense of the democratic gains Nigerians have fought hard to achieve. Silence in the face of these developments could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country,” he said.

A former House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ife Federal Constituency, Hon. Kunle Ayoola, has resigned from the party and defected to the Accord Party.

Ayoola, who was considered one of the prominent contenders for the APC ticket ahead of the party’s primary election, had contested for the Ife Federal Constituency seat before the ticket was eventually won by Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated June 12, 2026, and addressed to the APC chairman of Ilode Ward 1 in Ife East Local Government Area.

In the letter, Ayoola explained that he decided to end his membership of the APC due to what he described as ongoing concerns over the party’s leadership style, internal democracy, transparency and treatment of members.

According to him, he had become increasingly dissatisfied with the direction of the party over the years.

“Over the years, I have become increasingly disappointed by what I perceive as lack of good leadership, the prevalence of dictatorial tendencies, inadequate consultation, and absence of proper dialogue on important party matters.

“Decisions are often taken without meaningful engagement with members, creating an environment that discourages participation and constructive contributions,” the letter partly read.

The politician also raised concerns over alleged corruption, favouritism and lack of accountability within the party, stating that such practices had diminished his confidence in the APC’s commitment to fairness and democratic values.

“I am also deeply concerned about issues of corruption, favouritism, and lack of accountability within the party. These practices have weakened my confidence in the party’s commitment to fairness, justice, and democratic principles,” he stated.

Ayoola further expressed displeasure over his experience during the APC primary election for the Ife Federal House of Representatives seat, alleging that he was treated unfairly despite his loyalty and contributions to the party.

“On a personal level, I feel particularly aggrieved by the disrespect and unfair treatment I received during the party’s primary election when I contested for the Ife Federal House of Representatives seat.

“Despite my commitment, loyalty, and contributions to the party, I was subjected to actions and decisions that I believe were unjust, disrespectful, and inconsistent with the principles of fairness and internal democracy that a political party should uphold. The manner in which the process was conducted left me feeling marginalised and undervalued,” Ayoola added.