With barely 40 days left before the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, growing unease has reportedly engulfed members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the quiet atmosphere surrounding the campaign of the party’s candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede.
Party loyalists and political observers across the state are expressing concerns over what they describe as the absence of visible and coordinated campaign activities at a crucial stage of the electioneering process.
Investigations within Ado-Ekiti and several other parts of the state indicate that campaign visibility by the PDP remains limited compared to expectations for a major opposition party preparing for a governorship contest. Observers pointed to the low presence of posters, billboards, radio jingles, community engagement programmes, and grassroots mobilisation efforts.
Supporters who had earlier rallied behind Oluyede’s “Ekiti Restoration Agenda” are now said to be worried about the declining momentum within the party’s structure and campaign operations. Some members argue that the current mood within the PDP does not reflect the urgency required to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly intensified its mobilisation across the state through local government consultations, ward meetings, and door-to-door campaigns aimed at strengthening voter support ahead of the poll.
The difference in campaign visibility between both parties has fueled speculations within political circles, with some PDP members alleging that Oluyede may have toned down his ambition or reached a political understanding at the federal level.
The rumours were further intensified by recent political developments and perceived changes in the tone of the PDP candidate’s public engagements, including alleged alignment with renewed endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Although no official confirmation has been issued by Oluyede’s camp regarding the allegations, some supporters have reportedly described the situation as disappointing and inconsistent with the “Omoluabi” leadership image previously associated with the candidate.
A number of party loyalists, who spoke anonymously, claimed they now feel discouraged after investing significant political energy and resources into the campaign project.
Political analysts, however, believe the lingering internal crisis within the Ekiti PDP may be responsible for the current uncertainty. According to them, unresolved leadership disputes and factional divisions within the party may have weakened cohesion, planning, and mobilisation ahead of the election.
Attempts to obtain clarification from the campaign organisation reportedly yielded little response. Dr. Oluyede’s spokesman, Gani Salau, was said to have failed to give a detailed explanation concerning the concerns being raised within the party.
Sources familiar with the interaction claimed the spokesman avoided direct responses to questions relating to the state of the campaign and allegations of compromise, a development that has further fueled speculation among party supporters and observers.
While claims of political compromise remain unverified, analysts insist the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the PDP candidate can revive public confidence, energise his supporters, and reposition his campaign ahead of the governorship election.
For now, uncertainty continues to dominate discussions within the opposition camp as Ekiti voters await stronger direction and clearer political messaging from one of the major contenders in the race.