….Warn Atiku, Makinde against relying on politicians without electoral value

Concerned youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have challenged Senator Duro Faseyi, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin and other party leaders criticising the 2026 governorship candidate, Dr Oluwole Olumayokun Oluyede, to first publish their polling-unit results and account for their own electoral performance.

The youths said those who had questioned Oluyede’s commitment and financial contribution to the party should also explain what they personally delivered during the June 20 governorship election.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by Prince Biodun Afolabi, the group said the controversy should not be reduced to how much Oluyede allegedly contributed to the campaign, but should extend to how resources reportedly released for mobilisation, party agents and canvassers were utilised.

The youths asked whether the funds Oluyede allegedly provided were considered insufficient by the recipients and, if so, challenged them to publicly state what they expected, what they received and how the money was spent.

They also demanded an explanation on the funds reportedly earmarked for party agents and canvassers on election day.

“If the money Oluyede gave them was not enough for their expectations, let them come out and explain what they expected, what they received and how they spent what they received.

“Let them also explain what happened to the money provided for party agents and canvassers on election day. What happened to those resources and why, despite the resources allegedly made available, did most of them fail to deliver their own polling units for the PDP?”

The youths stressed that the questions were being raised by PDP members and concerned stakeholders, not by Oluyede.

They accused the signatories of opening themselves to scrutiny by choosing to publicly raise issues about money, loyalty and party commitment.

“Oluyede did not publicly accuse them. They chose to issue a statement and raise questions about money and loyalty. Having done so, they should be prepared to answer questions from PDP members about their own performance and stewardship,” the group said.

The youths challenged Faseyi, Ogunsakin and other signatories to publish their polling-unit and ward results from the election, arguing that political relevance should be measured by demonstrable electoral strength.

They said it was no longer sufficient for politicians to rely on past positions, titles or claims of influence without showing what they could deliver at the grassroots.

“Political titles are not votes. Past positions are not votes. The polling unit remains the most honest measure of political influence.

“If you claim to be a leader and mobiliser, show us the votes you delivered. Tell PDP members what happened in your polling unit and ward,” the group said.

The youths, however, singled out Hon. Segun Adekola for commendation, saying he should not be lumped together with others because he still commands considerable respect and grassroots influence among his people.

“We must be fair. Segun Adekola remains respected among his people and still has identifiable electoral value. We acknowledge that.

“Our concern is with those who continue to claim enormous political influence but cannot demonstrate it when votes are counted,” they said.

The group also took particular aim at Ogunsakin, questioning his moral standing to lecture others on political loyalty.

The youths said Ogunsakin’s political antecedents should be considered before he assumes the position of an arbiter of loyalty within the PDP.

They recalled his previous association with the political structure of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and his role as running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, in the 2018 election.

The group also pointed to subsequent political realignments within the Ekiti PDP, arguing that Ogunsakin’s own political journey showed that political positions could change.

The youths said they were not questioning anyone’s right to change political allegiance or political position, but warned against using the issue of loyalty selectively.

“Ogunsakin should tell Ekiti PDP members about his own political journey before lecturing others about loyalty.

“Nobody is saying a politician cannot change position. That is democracy. But nobody should change political camps when it suits him and later present himself as the final authority on who is loyal and who is not.

“Before judging Oluyede, let him explain his own political antecedents and tell us what he delivered in the last election,” they said.

The group also challenged Faseyi to demonstrate his current electoral relevance rather than rely on his previous political offices.

According to the youths, occupying elective positions in the past does not automatically translate into present-day grassroots support.

“Being a former senator or former member of the House of Representatives does not automatically translate into votes.

“Political relevance is demonstrated at the polling unit, ward and local government levels. Let Senator Faseyi show his polling-unit result and the votes he delivered.

“Let him explain what happened in his ward. Then PDP members can determine whether the political strength he claims still exists,” the group said.

The youths further alleged that some politicians had developed a pattern of presenting themselves as indispensable political actors whenever elections approach, allegedly receiving resources from aspirants and candidates on the strength of promises to deliver votes.

They said the same politicians sometimes turn around after elections to distance themselves from the outcome when the expected results fail to materialise.

The group described the alleged practice as a “political investment mentality” which, it said, should no longer be tolerated in the PDP.

“If you claim you can deliver 10,000 votes, show the votes. If you say you control a ward, let the election confirm it.

“If you receive money for mobilisation, account for it. Candidates are not political investment platforms.

“Those who receive resources on the promise of delivering votes must also be prepared to explain the results,” the youths said.

The group also urged PDP leaders to draw lessons from the 2023 presidential election, particularly from claims by political actors about their capacity to deliver electoral support.

The youths said national leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should be cautious about relying on unverified claims of political strength.

They said campaign responsibilities and resources should be entrusted to individuals based on verifiable structures and previous performance rather than political claims.

The youths also advised Oyo State Governor and PDP leader, Seyi Makinde, to carefully assess the electoral strength of politicians before relying on their claims of grassroots influence.

They urged the governor and other national leaders to independently verify the structures and voting strength of individuals seeking political relevance within the party.

According to them, the future of the PDP in Ekiti cannot be built around personalities who, despite claiming leadership, cannot demonstrate corresponding electoral strength.

The youths urged the signatories to stop attempting to shift attention from their own electoral performance to Oluyede’s financial contribution.

They said the PDP should focus on rebuilding its structures, reconnecting with voters and addressing the reasons behind its poor performance rather than engaging in public recriminations.

“Oluyede contested the election on the platform of the PDP and carried the party’s flag. If anyone has evidence of wrongdoing, let such evidence be presented.

“But nobody should use questions about money to hide questions about performance.

“Those who could not deliver their own polling units should first answer to their people before attempting to put Oluyede on trial.

“PDP members are watching. The people are watching. And the results are there for everyone to see,” the youths said.

The group called for calm among PDP members across the state, urging stakeholders to pursue reconciliation and accountability rather than deepen the divisions within the party.