Otunba Dr. Peter Olugbenga Obafemi, a distinguished businessman, aviation mogul, and philanthropist, on Thursday picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship and Expression of Interest forms in Abuja, officially joining the race for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Obafemi, who hails from Ikole-Ekiti, described his decision as a commitment to provide qualitative leadership that would take the state to enviable heights. He urged PDP members across the 16 local government areas to support his aspiration, promising to match the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with experience, vision, and courage.
Addressing party faithful during a recent political engagement in Ekiti, Obafemi said:
“Let it be heard across every village, every town, and every city in Ekiti State; I am prepared to face any contender, any alliance, any political force, be it the ruling APC or a coalition of interests under it. We move not in fear but in faith and courage. We carry Ekiti in our hearts, we carry hope in our hands.”
The entrepreneur-turned-politician is renowned for his achievements in both Nigeria and the United States. He founded Ritetime World Airways, becoming one of the few Nigerians to own an airline, and successfully operated the first direct flight from Atlanta, USA to Lagos, Nigeria.
He also served as Chairman of the Business Advisory Council from the State of Georgia to the U.S. Republican Senate between 2003 and 2004, a role that earned him the prestigious United States Senate Republican Medal of Freedom Award. He was also a member of the Mayor’s Economic Council in East Orange, New Jersey.
Promising to lead with innovation, inclusion, integrity, and honesty, Obafemi emphasized that his three decades of experience in public service, private enterprise, and philanthropy have prepared him to govern effectively.
“Not every man who walks before a crowd is a leader,” he said. “But today, I stand before you as a leader you can count on — one who walks with the people and builds something greater than politics, a true homecoming of purpose.”
Observers believe his entry into the governorship race could reshape the political contest in Ekiti State.
