Oluyede Pledges Swift Road Repairs, Economic Revamp as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Rallies Support for PDP in Ekiti

By Joseph Sunday 

Ado-Ekiti — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has promised to rehabilitate township roads across all 16 local government areas within his first 100 days in office if elected Governor on June 20.

Speaking at the party’s mega rally in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Oluyede said his administration would prioritize healthcare, commercial agriculture, and wealth creation to stimulate the state’s economy. 

“We don’t need potholes on our roads in Ekiti State. We will make sure we resurface all township roads in the first 100 days. We need local government chairmen who can perform and deliver development to the people,” Oluyede told supporters.

He criticized the state’s reliance on public service employment over the past 30 years, calling wealth creation Ekiti’s biggest challenge. “We need to create wealth and help our farmers engage in commercial agriculture,” he said, adding that boosting agricultural productivity would raise household incomes, support local businesses, and increase government revenue.

Oluyede also pledged to reform the health sector, citing poor equipment, maintenance, and financing in public hospitals. 

He further faulted Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, noting that the President’s Democracy Day address acknowledged national security challenges but made no mention of the Eda Oniyo kidnap victims. Oluyede argued the omission showed the governor failed to properly spotlight their plight. 

He called on residents to vote out the current administration on June 20 for what he described as more responsive and compassionate leadership.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who led the campaign delegation, described Oluyede as the most qualified candidate in the race. She said she served on the PDP screening committee and was impressed by his competence. 

“From the moment I met him during the screening, I found him to be the most qualified. He answered questions calmly and intelligently. He is cool, calm and collected, and I believe health, education and agriculture will receive priority attention under his administration,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that her visit was driven by her commitment to women, youths, and the welfare of the Ebira community in Ekiti, many of whom are active in the state’s agricultural sector. 

She urged voters to choose credibility over party lines: “The future of any society is tied to the quality of leaders elected. Vote for the candidate you can entrust with your future and the future of your children.”

PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mr Deji Ogunsakin also criticized the Oyebanji administration’s handling of insecurity, pointing to the Eda Oniyo abductions. He noted that more than 45 days after the incident, the victims has remained in captivity.

The rally drew party leaders, women’s groups, youth organizations, and supporters from across the state, with attendees expressing confidence in the PDP’s chances at the June 20 polls.