Ex-Ekiti deputy governor, Olusola-Eleka, dumps PDP

Olushola Oke, a former deputy governor of Ekiti State and one-time governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has officially resigned his membership of the party, citing a divergence from its founding ideals.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated July 24, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Okeruku Ward 2 in Ikere Local Government Area of the state. A copy of the letter was made available to newsmen on Thursday.

In the letter, Olusola-Eleka, who served as deputy governor between 2014 and 2018 under former Governor Ayodele Fayose, expressed appreciation to the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve.

However, he lamented that the current trajectory of the party no longer aligns with its foundational principles.

A professor of Building Technology, Olusola-Eleka, was the PDP’s flagbearer in the 2018 Ekiti Governorship Election, where he lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

He said, “I write to formally resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), effective today.

“My sincere appreciation goes to the party leadership at all levels, as well as to the numerous members and supporters who have stood by me over the years in Ekiti State and beyond.

“The PDP has offered me notable platforms for service, including the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor of Ekiti State between 2014 and 2018, and as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2018 governorship election.

“I remain deeply grateful for the trust and responsibilities vested in me. However, after deep consultations and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the party has significantly derailed from the path of constructive opposition and credible leadership that once defined its identity. Consequently, I find it difficult to continue associating with the PDP in its current state.

“I wish the party success in its future endeavours.”