Ekiti 2026: ‘Voters ‘ll Decide Next Governor, Not Fayose’

Otunba Emmanuel Fayose is the younger brother of former Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose. He is one of the aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party vying for the 2026 governorship poll in Ekiti State. In this interview with RASAQ IBRAHIM, the Afao-Ekiti born politicain explains why he is in the race, his visions for Ekiti state, and his expectations in the PDP primaries.

Why do you want to be the next governor of Ekiti State?

I want to be the next governor not just to govern, but to lead a transformation that puts people first, invests in the future and brings competence, compassion and innovation into governance. My decision to run for governor is not made lightly. It is the result of deep reflection, consultation with stakeholders across all strata of Ekiti society, and a burning desire to offer a new kind of leadership that this state needs. I am driven by a deep and personal commitment to the people of Ekiti State. I have worked closely with our communities through various youth empowerment initiatives and educational programs. I have seen firsthand, both the immense potential and the frustrating stagnation.Ekiti is a land of pride; rich in culture, history and most importantly, people. But over the years, despite our potential, we have been caught in a cycle of inconsistent leadership and short-sighted growth and development. Our people deserve more.

I want to be the governor that finally connects policy to the people, that listens more than he talks and delivers more than he promises. Ekiti can rise again, and I believe I have the vision, the discipline, and the moral clarity to lead that regeneration.

What political background do you have before now that encourages you to aspire to be governor and not any other position?

I may not have previously held elected office, but I am not a political greenhorn. I have been deeply embedded in the political structures of Ekiti and the PDP for years. I am a successful business executive and I have been actively involved in grassroots politics, political education and mobilization, party organization and youth development for decades. I have served on strategic advisory teams, campaign organizations and policy formulation groups for several institutions, not only in Ekiti State, but also in some States in Nigeria and diaspora. My background in community service and my experience leading a charity that has trained and empowered hundreds of young people have given me a practical understanding of governance.

What I want to bring to the table is not just political experience, but a well-rounded knowledge of governance, public policy and how to use power responsibly.Leadership is not only about title, it is about understanding the pulse of the people and building systems that solve problems.I believe it is time people with real solutions and integrity step forward at the highest levels and I am ready for that responsibility.

You are one of the few aspirants jostling for the PDP ticket. What distinguishes you from other contestants?

What distinguishes me is my vision, my integrity and my connection to the people at the grassroots. I represent a new era of politics that combines compassion with competence and service with strategy. While others may rely on godfathers or recycled manifesto, I come with a fresh approach, backed by results from my work with youth, women and the vulnerable. I am offering a clean break, modern, responsive and inclusive style of leadership. My movement is not just about me; it is about a movement of the young, passionate and competent people who are tired of the status quo and want to build a future that works. I am deeply connected to the real issues facing ordinary Ekiti people and I have fresh and workable ideas on how to solve them. Though, every aspirant has something to offer, and I respect all of them. But, I am not a career politician looking for the next opportunity, I am a servant-leader who sees politics as a platform for impact.

What exactly do you plan to offer the people of Ekiti State differently from what others did in the past?

I will focus on three key areas, namely; Economic empowerment, education and transparent governance. My administration will prioritize local industries, agro-tech partnerships and small business support to create sustainable jobs. Education will not just be about certificates but about skills and innovation. I will ensure every kobo spent is accounted for, using digital tools to make our government transparent and participatory.Ultimately, we will diligently build our development plans around the real needs of local communities, education, healthcare, roads, jobs, not just ribbon-cutting projects.

You cut the picture of a gentleman, but politics is quite a tough task. How do you intend to run your politics preparatory to getting the ticket of your party?

Being a gentleman is not a weakness, it is a strength. I believe in strong ideas, not strong arms. My approach is strategic and people-driven. My politics is rooted in respect, inclusion and result-oriented.I’mbuilding alliances, consulting across all wards and leveraging my experience in conflict resolution and negotiations and I am already gaining traction across local government areas.

I understand that politics in Nigeria is tough, but I have also learned that you do not need to abandon your values to succeed. I have been sitting with community leaders, youth groups, market women, school students, traders, women associations and PDP delegates across the state. I’m not relying on noise, I am relying on results. I believe in silent strategy, not loud politics.

You must be aware that to emerge as the party candidate, you must have structure and also have funds to prosecute your campaign. How rooted is your structure and how deep is your pocket?

Yes, structure and resources are very essential. I have built a strong grassroots network through years of community outreach, youth mentorship, and social impact projects. As for funding, I may not be the richest, but I am strategic. I have supporters both locally and in the diaspora who believe in my ambition. This campaign is powered not just by money, but by people who are tired of the old ways and ready for something new.

I have invested heavily in building a solid grassroots network that covers all 16 LGAs and 177 wards. I have built a team of loyal party men and women, and people who believe in this project, not because they were paid, but because they are inspired.I have personal resources and the support of well-meaning donors who believe in good governance and want to see a new face of leadership in Ekiti. We are ready. The structure is real and the resources are available.

What are the gaps in the governance system in Ekiti that you hope to address if you become the governor?

The key gaps are in inclusive development, job creation and accountability. Too many communities feel left behind, too many youths are unemployed or underemployed and government often seems distant and disconnected. I intend to close these gaps with programs that prioritize people, not projects. We can break the gaps into three major aspects:The gap of continuity; too many good ideas in Ekiti are abandoned halfway because of political rivalry. I will establish a State Development Plan with bipartisan buy-in, ensuring that core projects are passed into law and immune to political sabotage. We also have the gap of inclusion; too many communities feel ignored. Government in Ekiti often begins and ends in a particular Local Government . That must change. My government will be truly inclusive, involving all traditional rulers, youth leaders, market women, artisans and civil servants in decision-making.

Another gap that of trust; the average Ekiti person does not trust government promises anymore. That is the most dangerous gap. We will rebuild that trust through transparency, humility and delivering results without noise.

The PDP in the state has been going through internal crisis. Don’t you think this development will affect the chances of the party in the election?

Internal disagreements are not unusual in a big party like ours. What matters is our ability to resolve issues with maturity and unity of purpose. I see this moment as a chance to rebuild bridges, re-ignite the party’s grassroots base and present a united front. My emergence as a candidate will symbolize renewal and offer a rallying point for all factions. My approach has been to engage with all blocs within the party without taking sides. I am talking with the elders, the youth, and everyone in between. The PDP in Ekiti must move from a party of factions to a party of action, and I am working daily to make that happen.

There are talks that the PDP is not prepared for the governorship elections as a result of the deafening silence and its inability to provide the needed opposition?

Like I said earlier, silence does not always mean weakness, sometimes it is strategic. Preparation is not always public. What many people call silence is actually recalibration for me. We are not shouting because we are listening. We are fixing our internal issues quietly and deliberately. I believe PDP will surprise many with a strong showing, especially when we present a candidate like myself who represents unity, competence and hope for the people. Opposition should not be about noise or insults, it should be about alternatives. That is what we are preparing. a credible, visible, and electable alternative to the current system.The PDP in Ekiti is regrouping and when we come out, we will come out stron, with a united front and a clear message of renewal.

Do you think the electorates in Ekiti state can easily connect with you and your aspiration or put more simply, do you think Ekiti State is ripe for a young man like you as governor?

Absolutely! The average voter in Ekiti is intelligent, politically aware and ready for a shift. This is not about age, it is about vision, character and courage. I connect with the people because I have walked with them, worked for them and I represent their aspirations. Ekiti is more than ready for a young, focused and service-oriented leader.We have seen young leaders across the world and even here in Nigeria doing great things. I understand the culture of Ekiti, I respect our values and I am deeply rooted in our communities. So the question is not whether I’m too young, the real question is whether I am ready. And the answer is yes, I am ready.

Your brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose recently endorsed the incumbent governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for second term despite being a prominent member of the PDP. What are your thoughts on this endorsement?

My brother is not God! I am aspiring not as Ayo Fayose’s brother, but as a man with my own convictions, record and vision.He has endorsed several people in the past that failed. But because God does not want us to fail, that is the reason my brother is endorsing overnor Biodun Oyebanji, BAO to fail.Like I said, his endorsements in the past have not been successful. It has always resulted in losses.For instance, he backed Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka in 2018, who lost to Kayode Fayemi. His endorsement of Bisi Kolawole in 2022 only secured third place for the PDP. Even his son, Jomiloju, lost in 2023 House of Representatives elections. The same trend was observed when my brother’s candidates faced defeat against Senator Biodun Olujimi in 2015 and 2019. These outcomes clearly showed that he does not hold ultimate authority and the people of Ekiti will decide. I am confident that the people of Ekiti will shame them all in 2026.While I respect my brother’s opinion, my focus is on the future of Ekiti, not family interests. The electorate will judge me based on my ideas and integrity, not on my brother’s endorsement.Again, let me add clearly that I am not running a family race. I am running to serve.

The name ‘Fayose’ is not a campaign strategy. My message, track record and the sincerity of my intent are what will resonate with the people. I am running as Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, otherwise known as ‘DOME,’ with a solid support base among Ekiti PDP members and citizens, and I believe that the electorate is smart enough to see the difference.

Don’t you think ex-governor Fayose’s endorsement will influence the outcome of the 2026 governorship election?

Influence is possible, but ultimately, the people will decide. The endorsement may carry weight in certain quarters, but I trust the Ekiti electorate to choose a candidate based on merit, not personal alignments. We live in a new era of political awareness, voters are more interested in track records, plans and character than political endorsements. The people of Ekiti are not blind followers. They have shown time and again that they evaluate leaders by performance and clarity of vision. My task is to connect with them honestly, and I believe they will respond positively to that sincerity. I respect all political players, but I am taking my message directly to the people. The people will decide, not any individual, no matter how prominent.

How will you work to build support among the PDP members and other stakeholders in Ekiti, given the party’s internal dynamics and your brother’s endorsement of Oyebanji?

I believe in the politics of inclusion. My campaign is not about divisions, it is about building a broader coalition of loyal party members, undecided voters and even those who feel alienated. Unity, patience and respect are my tools.My goal is to unify and strengthen the PDP in Ekiti, starting with how I lead this campaign. Let me say it again that my brother’s endorsement of another party’s governor will not define the future of PDP in Ekiti. He is not God. What will define it is our ability to come together, align on shared values and present a candidate who is electable, credible and ready to serve. I’m actively engaging with critical stakeholders across all 16 council Areas, listening more than I talk and offering real, workable solutions. I have promised them inclusion, respect and a fresh start.I am ready and by God’s grace, Ekiti will be great again.