By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has intensified his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the state government of worsening insecurity, unemployment, poor healthcare delivery, and infrastructural decay across the state.
Oluyede made the remarks during separate engagements at the palace of the Olomuo of Omuo-Oke, a town hall meeting in Omuo-Ekiti, the PDP Secretariat in Omuo-Ekiti, and later at Ode-Ekiti as part of his ongoing statewide campaign tour ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking at the palace of the Olomuo of Omuo-Oke, Oluyede lamented the deplorable condition of roads, epileptic power supply, and what he described as the collapse of the healthcare system in the state.
The PDP candidate, who sought royal blessings for his governorship ambition, said traditional rulers must remain apolitical but noted that prayers and moral support from the monarchs were crucial to the success of his mission to rescue Ekiti State.
“As our traditional ruler, you should remain apolitical, but we have come for prayers because this journey is about rescuing Ekiti people from suffering.”
“Our health sector is in a terrible state and hospitals are poorly equipped. By prudent management of resources and without borrowing or embezzling public funds, we can raise over N102 billion yearly and ensure that nobody is denied access to medical care because they lack money,” he said.
Oluyede explained that his administration would establish a monitored health insurance scheme that would guarantee affordable and accessible healthcare services for residents across the state.
“Our people should not go to hospitals and die because they cannot afford treatment. Government must take responsibility for the health of the people. We will put a committee in place to monitor the process and ensure transparency,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons with developed countries, Oluyede said emergency healthcare services in Ekiti must improve significantly.
“In countries like Australia, if a patient needs urgent medical attention far away from their location, they are immediately airlifted irrespective of where they come from. Our people should not continue dying because of poverty or medical negligence,” he added.
The PDP standard-bearer also advocated the establishment of higher institutions across the senatorial districts, saying tertiary institutions remain catalysts for development and economic growth.
“Look at Ikere-Ekiti where I come from. If there were no higher institutions there, the town would have been worse off. Every senatorial district should have a university because institutions stimulate rapid development,” he said.
Responding on behalf of other traditional rulers present, the Olomuo of Omuo-Oke appreciated the PDP campaign team for visiting the palace and urged the candidate to remain faithful to his campaign promises if elected governor.
“You will succeed in your endeavours, but I urge your supporters to reject inducement and vote-buying during the election. Let them remain steadfast and loyal,” the monarch said.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, described Oluyede as a household name whose family had contributed immensely to the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
According to him, the family’s contributions to national development reflected their commitment to public service and community advancement.
“His brother, who is the Chief of Army Staff, facilitated a military base in Ekiti, which further demonstrates the family’s commitment to the security and growth of the state,” Ogunsakin said.
“I can assure you that if elected, within four years the people themselves will beg Oluyede to seek another term because of the level of development he will bring to Omuo Kingdom and Ekiti State. We cannot continue like this; things must change.”
At a town hall meeting in Omuo-Ekiti, Oluyede accused the APC-led administration of eight years of inconsistency, poor governance, and infrastructural neglect.
“I left Ikere-Ekiti early, but we could not get here on time because of the terrible roads. The roads are in very bad condition,” he lamented.
He linked insecurity in rural communities to the absence of infrastructure, electricity, and educational institutions.