The Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State has officially affirmed Professor Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin as its governorship candidate for the 2026 election, setting the stage for what many observers predict will be a fiercely contested poll in the state.
The affirmation, which took place at a well-attended congress in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, brought together key stakeholders of the party, including state and local executives, accredited delegates, members of the National Working Committee, and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were also on ground to ensure a peaceful exercise.
The event, described by participants as orderly and transparent, marked a significant milestone for the Labour Party as it prepares to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the forthcoming election. The choice of Professor Olajuyin, a respected medical expert and administrator, was greeted with cheers and optimism among party members who described him as a “credible and visionary leader capable of transforming Ekiti State.”
In his acceptance speech, Olajuyin expressed deep gratitude to the delegates and the leadership of the Labour Party for the confidence reposed in him. He said his emergence was not only a victory for him personally but a triumph for all Ekiti indigenes who believe in honesty, competence, and the pursuit of good governance.
“This affirmation is a call to service,” he declared. “It is proof that the Labour Party in Ekiti is ready to lead with transparency, purpose, and compassion. Our people have suffered enough from poor leadership, and we must begin to change that narrative. This is not about me; it is about restoring dignity, integrity, and prosperity to the land of honour.”
The professor, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti in the southern part of the state, criticised what he described as the pervasive monetisation of Nigerian politics. According to him, many politicians see public office as an avenue for personal enrichment rather than a platform to serve.
“Today, money has taken the place of character in our politics,” Olajuyin lamented. “Many aspire to power not to build a good name but to build wealth. We must reverse this dangerous trend if Nigeria, and Ekiti in particular, is to achieve real progress. Leadership must be about service, not self-interest.”
The LP candidate, a professor of medicine with over three decades of experience, previously served as Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). He is widely respected for his professionalism and dedication to public health. His supporters believe that his track record in the health sector will translate into effective leadership in governance.
The Labour Party Chairman in Ekiti State, Barrister Odunayo Okunade, congratulated Professor Olajuyin and assured him of the full support of the party machinery. He praised the peaceful conduct of the congress, noting that it reflected the Labour Party’s growing internal cohesion and democratic discipline.
“Today’s event shows that we are different from the rest,” Okunade said. “There were no fights, no inducements, no imposition. Our delegates made their choice freely, and we now have a candidate who embodies the values of integrity and competence that the Labour Party stands for. With Prof. Olajuyin on the ballot, we are confident that the people of Ekiti will rally behind us in 2026.”
The chairman also urged members of the party across the 16 local government areas of the state to close ranks and begin aggressive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election. He said the party would soon unveil its campaign structure and policy agenda, which would focus on education, healthcare, youth empowerment, agriculture, and job creation.
Political analysts have described Olajuyin’s emergence as a bold move by the Labour Party to field a credible technocrat rather than a career politician. The development, they say, could alter the state’s political dynamics, especially as residents become increasingly disenchanted with the existing power blocs.
With the 2026 governorship election barely seven months away, the stage appears set for a three-way contest among the Labour Party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, and the Peoples Democratic Party. The PDP has already produced Dr. Wole Oluyede as its candidate, while the APC is expected to announce its flagbearer early next year.
Observers note that while the APC enjoys incumbency advantage, the Labour Party’s growing popularity, particularly among young voters and professionals, could make the election more competitive than previous ones.
As campaigns begin to gather momentum, Professor Olajuyin has promised to run an issue-based campaign focused on human capital development, infrastructural renewal, and inclusive governance. He appealed to Ekiti residents to resist political inducement and vote based on character and competence.
“The future of Ekiti is in our hands,” he said. “We must choose wisely. My promise is to serve with humility and vision. Together, we can build an Ekiti that works for everyone.”
The Labour Party’s affirmation of Professor Olajuyin thus marks a new chapter in the state’s political journey, signaling the party’s determination to challenge the status quo and offer voters a fresh alternative rooted in service, credibility, and reform.
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