The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has said his decision to withdraw his petition challenging the outcome of the poll was informed by national interest and the need to protect the country’s broader political stability.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Oluyede said his action should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the conduct of the election, but as a sacrifice aimed at promoting political stability ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said the decision was taken after careful reflection on the implications of prolonged litigation, adding that national interest should take precedence over personal or partisan considerations.
Oluyede also declared support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, while urging political stakeholders not to take Ekiti State for granted.
According to him, the outcome of the governorship election underscored the importance of grassroots mobilisation, saying electoral victories should not be assumed despite the dominance of any political party in the state.
He maintained that although he believed there were grounds to challenge the election results, he decided to discontinue the tribunal case after weighing the potential implications for the country’s political stability and democratic process.
Oluyede called on political leaders across party lines to place national interest above partisan interests, stressing that democracy would be strengthened through responsible leadership and constructive engagement rather than prolonged litigation.
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