By Huldah Shado
Dr Olugbenga Obafemi, a leading contender for the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party, has pledged a radical transformation of governance in the state, with free education and security overhaul topping his agenda.
Addressing supporters and journalists during his declaration visit to Ikole-Ekiti, his hometown, Dr Obafemi decried the decline in education standards in the state, pointing to Ekiti’s slip to eighth place in WAEC rankings as a wake-up call.
“If elected, I will provide free education from primary to university level. The resources are here – cocoa, gold, coconut, cassava. Ekiti is rich, yet our people suffer,” he stated passionately.
Beyond education, Dr Obafemi outlined a robust plan to revamp infrastructure, citing the underutilized airport project and poor road networks.
He insisted that the airport must be fully opened to commercial flights to drive investment and development.
He further promised to strengthen the state’s security through a proactive and rural-based Amotekun corps.
“My own Amotekun will not be in towns. They will be stationed in forests, securing our borders and flushing out criminals,” he declared.
Obafemi also took a swipe at the ruling APC, accusing it of failing to maximize the state’s resources or deliver meaningful development. He pledged to transform agriculture, making Ekiti a food basket for Nigeria.
On the PDP race, he acknowledged fellow aspirant Emmanuel Fayose’s right to contest but expressed confidence in winning the primary.
The Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Aderemi Fasiku, received Dr Obafemi warmly at his palace. The monarch expressed delight at the aspiration of a son of the soil and prayed for his success, urging him not to forget his roots if elected.
