….Says Time Has Come to Place National Interest Above Partisan Politics as Thousands Give Former PDP Governorship Candidate Hero’s Welcome at First Post-Election Gathering

In what has been described by political observers as one of the biggest post-election political gatherings in Ekiti State, former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr Oluwole Olumayokun Oluyede, on Wednesday officially unveiled the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA) before more than 5,000 accredited PDP stakeholders and representatives at the Eagle Hall Event Centre along the Ado-Ekiti–Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti.

The inaugural meeting, which marked Dr Oluyede‘s first official engagement with his political family since the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election, attracted representatives from the 16 Local Government Areas and 177 political wards of the state.

Although the event was initially designed as a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with invitations restricted to 2,000 representatives, the response far exceeded expectations as over 5,000 PDP stakeholders and representatives were formally accredited before proceedings commenced.

The accredited delegates represented virtually every segment of the PDP structure across Ekiti State, including state and local government party leaders, ward executives, former candidates, elders, youth leaders, women leaders, polling unit coordinators, campaign coordinators, support groups and other grassroots mobilisers from all parts of the state.

The unprecedented turnout overwhelmed the organisers and transformed what was conceived as a representative stakeholders’ meeting into a remarkable show of political solidarity, unity and continued loyalty to Dr Oluyede.

Political analysts who monitored the event described the attendance as a significant indication that Dr Oluyede continues to enjoy substantial goodwill and grassroots acceptance across the PDP structure despite the outcome of the June 20 governorship election.

Long before the arrival of the former governorship candidate, the Eagle Hall Event Centre had been filled to capacity as supporters from across Ekiti State converged on the venue, singing solidarity songs, displaying banners and chanting slogans in anticipation of his arrival.

The atmosphere became electric the moment Dr Oluyede’s convoy entered the venue.

Supporters erupted into spontaneous celebrations, singing and dancing while chanting “Oluyede! Oluyede!!”, “Our Leader Has Returned!”, “The Journey Continues!” and “Leader of the People!”

Unable to conceal their excitement, thousands surged forward to welcome him, while cultural groups, women and youth organisations broke into traditional dances.

Dr Oluyede responded by joining the celebrations, dancing into the packed hall alongside his supporters in what many described as an emotional reunion between a leader and his political family.

For several minutes, proceedings were temporarily suspended as supporters applauded, embraced one another and celebrated what they described as “the return of a leader who remained steadfast before, during and after the election.”

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering amid repeated standing ovations, Dr Oluyede became emotional as he thanked members of his political family and the people of Ekiti State for their unwavering support throughout his governorship journey.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by thousands of party members, volunteers, polling agents, women, youths and supporters across the state, describing their loyalty as one of the greatest sources of strength throughout the election period.

“Today is not just another political meeting. It is a family reunion. It is an opportunity for me to say thank you to every member of our political family and to the good people of Ekiti State who stood firmly with us before, during and after the governorship election.”

“We planned this inaugural stakeholders’ meeting for about 2,000 representatives across the 16 Local Government Areas. However, today more than 5,000 accredited PDP stakeholders and representatives answered the call. This extraordinary turnout is a powerful testimony to the unity, resilience and commitment of our political family. I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming demonstration of love.”

He added that the massive attendance was not merely a reflection of political strength but evidence that the ideals upon which his governorship campaign was built remain alive among the people.

“The election has come and gone, but your love has remained constant. You never abandoned me. Your encouragement, prayers, sacrifices and confidence have strengthened my resolve to continue serving our people. For this, I owe every one of you a debt of gratitude.”

Dr. Oluyede explained that the unveiling of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA) was the outcome of months of reflection and consultation on how best to continue serving Ekiti State and Nigeria after the governorship election.

According to him, while elections naturally produce winners and losers, leadership should never end with the declaration of election results.

He said the responsibility of every patriotic leader is to continue seeking ways to advance the welfare of the people and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The former PDP governorship candidate said it was against this background that he resolved to establish OPARHA as a non-electoral grassroots movement dedicated to promoting civic participation, national unity and public engagement.

He explained that after careful consideration of the country’s political and economic realities, he decided to align the movement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Dr Oluyede, his decision was driven not by personal political ambition but by his conviction that Nigeria requires greater collaboration among leaders across political divides to consolidate democratic governance and accelerate development.

“Politics should never become an obstacle to national progress. Elections come and go, but the responsibility of building our nation remains. At this critical stage of our history, every patriotic Nigerian must contribute to strengthening democracy and supporting policies that will move our country forward.”

He recalled his pioneering role in the South West Agenda (SWAGA), one of the earliest political movements that mobilised support for President Tinubu’s presidential ambition, noting that his belief in progressive leadership has remained consistent over the years.

Dr Oluyede announced that OPARHA would establish active structures across the 16 Local Government Areas and 177 political wards of Ekiti State.

The movement, he explained, would focus on community engagement, policy communication, youth mobilisation, women’s participation, volunteer development, research, stakeholder consultations, town hall meetings and evidence-based feedback between government and the people.

Operating under the theme “Mobilising Grassroots Support for National Development” and the motto “One Ekiti. One Vision. Renewed Hope,” OPARHA, according to him, will complement efforts aimed at strengthening public understanding of government policies while promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

Dr Oluyede urged members of his political family not to allow the outcome of the governorship election to weaken their commitment to the development of Ekiti State.

He announced that consultations would immediately commence with leaders of the PDP, APC, Labour Party, ADC, SDP, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, market associations, artisans, farmers, professionals and civil society organisations across the state.

He said the consultations would lay the foundation for one of the most extensive grassroots mobilisation networks in Ekiti State ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Leadership is not defined by winning an election alone. Leadership is measured by the willingness to continue serving the people despite challenges. My commitment to Ekiti State remains unwavering. Together, we can build a stronger, more united and prosperous state while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.”

The event climaxed with the formal unveiling of the OPARHA logo, vision, organisational structure and strategic implementation roadmap, amid thunderous applause from thousands of accredited PDP stakeholders and representatives.

The stakeholders thereafter unanimously pledged to return to their respective local government areas and wards to commence consultations and grassroots mobilisation in support of the movement’s objectives, setting the stage for what many described as a new chapter in Ekiti’s political landscape.

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