The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti has begun mobilisation of members, as it resolved to commit itself to the survival and success of the party in the 2026 governorship election in the state.

This followed the recent announcement of the election timetable for the Osun and Ekiti States governorship elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party’s primary election for Ekiti has been slated for October this year.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at Ido Ekiti in the Ido-Osi Local Government Area of the state, which comprised leaders and members drawn from the five local government areas, the convener of the parley and former PDP senatorial candidate in the 2023 National Assembly election, Mr. Funso Ayeni, said membership mobilization has become imperative following the release of the timetable by INEC.

He called on party leaders in the Ekiti North Senatorial District to put the past behind them, reach out to other aggrieved members, and remain steadfast with a goal to dislodge the ruling APC in the 2026 governorship election.

Ayeni, who acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP both at the state and national levels, stressed that the problems are surmountable, adding that there is no political party without its own share of crisis.

“PDP is my party, the party is strong, and I believe at every point in time, there should be unity of purpose. I believe there should be shared values. For us, the only thing we can give back to this party is to make sure that it doesn’t die; the party is alive in our present time.

“As you are aware, INEC has released the timetable for our election next year. Election is coming very soon, so as a party, we must continue to come together and then ensure that we are ready for elections to come.

“This is where the majority of the vote is coming from in the next election. I believe this is the time to start mobilising and galvanising our people towards making their vote count. Their vote cannot count if you don’t talk to them. And we are talking to ourselves in preparation for that.”

On challenges confronting the party both nationally and at the state level, just about five months to the governorship primaries, the PDP chieftain said, “So if I may ask, is there any party that has no internal challenges? There is none. So, of course, we can talk about the degree of the challenges.

“I believe the National Working Committee is doing essentially what is required for us to be on track again. I believe that soon, the party will be able to overcome such internal challenges. There is a series of meetings going on, but it is not about me. The party organ that is responsible for this is attending to it.

I’m quite confident that all issues will be resolved. And in no distant time, the party will get its direction, and then we’re able to face the election.”