By Ayodele Abere
With less than 20 days to the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise, popularly known as AOP, has urged voters to look beyond party popularity and assess individual capacity, integrity, and track record.
Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South, made the appeal on Monday during an interaction with journalists in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The PRP flag bearer said his decision to contest on the party’s platform was guided by principle, ideology, and a belief in social democracy.
“My choice of the PRP among other political parties is based on principle. I believe government should return to the people. Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he said.
He added that benefits of governance should not be for a select few. “Everybody should benefit from the dividends of democracy”, stressing that he is seeking an atmosphere free of godfatherism where elected officials can fulfill promises to the people without interference.
Addressing concerns about the strength of the All Progressives Congress, APC, AOP said he is not intimidated.
“All of us are Nigerians and every Nigerian has the right to contest. I believe people of integrity and character should come out. Politics is not bad, bad people make politics bad. If good people come into politics, politics will become good,” he stated.
The PRP candidate unveiled a six-point development agenda tagged PRAISE PACT which he highlighted as follows:
P – Prosperity and Health for All
R – Rural Development
A – Agriculture and Industrialization
I – Infrastructure
S – Security and Social Stability
E – Education, Empowerment and Employment
He said Ekiti, though regarded as one of the poorest states on paper, has the resources to make every citizen prosperous. Under his administration, he promised subsidized healthcare including drugs for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, with special focus on the elderly, maternal health, and persons with disabilities.
On rural development, the candidate noted that Ekiti remains largely agrarian and pledged to bridge the gap between urban centers and rural communities through roads, markets, and industrial hubs.
“There is no reason why a farmer should be poor,” he stated.
AOP also promised to industrialize agriculture, ensure off-takers for farm produce, and create farm-to-market roads. On infrastructure, he pledged needs-based development, including cottage industries in all 16 local government areas and alternative power solutions through biomass, hydro, solar, and turbines.
Tackling security challenges in the state, AOP, who said he led rallies for the establishment of Amotekun, declared support for both state policing and community policing.
“Security is not an option. We must do all we can to secure our people,” he said.
He added that his administration would adopt a preventive approach with surveillance at all entry points into Ekiti and stronger collaboration with traditional institutions.
On education and employment, Pastor Ayodele proposed practical, skill-based education with acquisition centers in all LGAs to reduce dependence on civil service jobs. He also promised interest-free or low-interest loans and training backed with opportunities for youth and women.
Advising the electorate to come out en masse on election day, the PRP candidate said Ekiti people remain one.
“Whoever emerges, we remain brothers. Look at the individual, look at the party. I have a record of service as a student union president where I built hostels, a radio station, and a library. If I could do that then, how much more as governor?” he queried.
He urged voters to waste their vote on me. “Waste your vote on the best candidate. Don’t sell your conscience for ₦2,000 or ₦5,000.”
Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise, AOP, is a former student union president, media practitioner, entrepreneur, and pastor committed to people-centered governance.
