Oluyede issued the challenge during a meeting with PDP members from all 177 wards in the state held in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday, saying a debate would give voters a clear comparison of both candidates’ plans.

He highlighted key challenges such as unpaid gratuities, limited access to affordable healthcare, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and weak grassroots economic development.

To address these, he proposed a structured plan to clear pension arrears, an expanded health insurance scheme for vulnerable residents, and stronger support for small and medium-scale businesses through grants, training, and partnerships. He also identified agriculture and agro-processing as major job-creation sectors for youths.

Oluyede said he is ready to be held accountable by the people, stressing that his proposals are practical and measurable.

He also urged party members to remain united following recent internal reconciliation efforts and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

PDP leaders at the meeting, including factional chairman Tunji Odeyemi and campaign director-general Makanjuola Ogundipe, called for stronger grassroots engagement and unity within the party.

Other stakeholders described Oluyede’s emergence as providential, urging supporters to stay focused on the campaign.

The debate challenge is expected to add momentum to the early build-up toward the 2026 governorship race in Ekiti State.

In a video shared on X, Al-Makura made it clear he was not involved in the decision when asked if he was consulted, simply replying “no” after a brief exchange.

He also said it was too early for the governor to publicly promote a preferred successor or present such a decision at the level of the Presidency.

Al-Makura insisted that the selection of candidates should be handled through a transparent party primary process, urging the APC to allow internal democracy rather than impose a choice.

Governor Sule had earlier presented Senator Wadada as his preferred successor during a meeting with political appointees and agency heads in Lafia, a move seen as early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senator Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the Senate, recently defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC amid growing governorship interest.

The endorsement has already sparked tension within the party, with former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, also insisting he will contest the APC ticket.

Governor Sule has maintained that the governorship should be zoned to Nasarawa West, a position that continues to generate mixed reactions within the APC.