The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has produced its candidates for the 2026 senatorial elections after the party concluded its primary elections across the three senatorial districts in the state.
Dr. Mrs. Ayenioye Olabisi emerged as the PDP candidate for Ekiti South Senatorial District after defeating Hon. Adekola Segun Alexandra during the party primary. Results announced at the end of the exercise showed that Ayenioye polled 21,652 votes, while Alexandra secured 445 votes.
Her victory gave her a wide margin over her opponent and strengthened her position within the party ahead of the main election next year. Party members and supporters who attended the exercise described the primary as peaceful and orderly.
Ayenioye is known among PDP members in Ekiti South for her involvement in grassroots mobilisation and party activities in the district. She has reportedly worked with women groups and local political structures over the years and is expected to rely heavily on grassroots support during the campaign season.
Political observers in the district believe the PDP may try to use her candidacy to attract more women and young voters ahead of the election. Supporters within the party also believe her emergence could help rebuild the PDP structure in parts of Ekiti South where the party has struggled in recent elections.
In Ekiti North Senatorial District, Mr. Osikolu Olusegun Ayodele emerged as the PDP candidate through a consensus arrangement accepted by party stakeholders and members in the district.
Sources within the party said consultations were held before his emergence to avoid division among aspirants and leaders in the area. The consensus arrangement was later adopted by delegates in line with the party’s internal process.
Osikolu is regarded as a loyal party member who has remained active in PDP affairs in Ekiti North. He has reportedly participated in several political activities and campaign efforts involving the party in previous elections. His supporters believe his experience within the party structure could help strengthen the PDP’s chances in the senatorial race.
For Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Fajuyi Olajuyigbe Adesola also emerged through consensus after party leaders and delegates agreed on her candidacy.
Adesola is said to have strong political connections within the district and has maintained relationships with PDP supporters and stakeholders across several local government areas. Her emergence was described by party members as part of efforts to maintain unity ahead of the general election.
The PDP praised members, delegates and electoral officials for the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state. Party leaders said the exercise followed the party’s guidelines as well as the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party added that the successful completion of the primaries was a sign that members were ready to work together ahead of the 2026 elections in Ekiti State.
Political activities have continued to increase in Ekiti in recent months as parties prepare for the next election cycle. The PDP has been trying to strengthen its position in the state after losing previous major elections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also faced internal challenges in recent months following disagreements over its governorship ticket for the 2026 governorship election. The crisis led to legal battles among party members before the Court of Appeal eventually affirmed Dr. Wole Oluyede as the recognised governorship candidate of the PDP in Ekiti State.
With the senatorial candidates now in place, the PDP is expected to begin consultations, campaigns and mobilisation across the state as preparations for the 2026 elections continue.
