A governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, has expressed renewed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim power in the state, declaring that recent developments within the PDP at the national level will trigger the return of former members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2026 elections.

Mrs. Ogun, a former Commissioner for Works in Ekiti State and former State Secretary of the PDP, made this known on Saturday in Ado Ekiti during a media chat following a meeting with her supporters from across the three senatorial districts of the state. The meeting, which was held at her campaign office, formed part of her ongoing consultations and mobilization efforts as she intensifies preparations for the party’s primary election.

Speaking on the state of the PDP, Ogun acknowledged that the party had experienced internal challenges in recent times, especially concerning unresolved congresses and internal disputes. However, she noted that there had been visible progress at the national level with the resolution of key disagreements within the party leadership. According to her, this unity among members of the National Working Committee is a positive step that will reverberate down to the state level.

“The PDP is not dead in Ekiti State. The party is alive and getting stronger by the day. The national leadership is working in unison now, and I am confident that this will lead to the conclusion of all pending issues, including our congresses in Ekiti. The party is already on the path to bouncing back,” she stated.

Ogun stressed that the developments at the national level would compel those who had defected from the party to reconsider and return, citing renewed hope in the party’s direction and internal reforms. She assured members that the congresses in Ekiti State would soon be concluded and clarified that the delay has no bearing on the timetable for primaries already released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I am confident that with the renewed vigor in the PDP, the party will bounce back fully in Ekiti. The structures are already being rebuilt from the grassroots. What we need is unity, and I can see that unity forming again,” she said.

Speaking about her ambition, Ogun declared her readiness to secure the party’s ticket and contest in the 2026 governorship election. She revealed that she had been working for over two years on a mission of consultation, reconciliation, and mobilization, believing that the time is right for the PDP to reclaim the governorship seat.

“I’m in the race to win. I’ve been consistent in my efforts to reconnect the party with the grassroots. These people you see around me are not just supporters; they are the real foot soldiers in their wards and communities. I believe I will clinch the party’s ticket, and by this time in 2026, I will be governor of Ekiti State,” she confidently declared.

Ogun also addressed reports suggesting that emerging political coalitions, particularly the African Democratic Coalition (ADC), pose a threat to the PDP’s chances in the state. She dismissed such insinuations, describing the new political platforms as lacking the structure and grassroots presence needed to make any significant impact.

“There’s no new party or coalition that can alter the political landscape of Ekiti at this time. We are a few months to party primaries and even closer to the elections. Anyone thinking they can build a winning structure overnight is not being realistic. I’m not bothered about that at all,” she stated.

The PDP chieftain called on party members to remain committed and focused, expressing optimism that with ongoing reconciliation efforts and a well-organised campaign, the party will be well-positioned to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2026.