A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has nullified the emergence of Dr Wole Oluyede as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2026 Ekiti State election and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary.
Delivering judgment, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld the suit filed by an aspirant, Prince Funso Ayeni, who challenged the primary over alleged irregularities, including manipulation of the approved delegate list on the day of the exercise. The court held that the process was marred by gross abuse, violation of PDP guidelines, and a breach of constitutional principles guiding internal party democracy.
Reacting to the ruling, the South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Sanya Atofarati, said the party would appeal the judgment, expressing confidence in the PDP legal team. He stressed that the ruling would not derail the party’s preparations for the June 20 governorship election.
Atofarati disclosed that the PDP campaign committee has already been inaugurated and grassroots mobilisation is ongoing across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. He described the court action as a conspiracy against the party and its candidate, insisting that the primary election was free and fair, as monitored by INEC officials.
He urged party members to remain resolute, assuring supporters that the PDP remains focused on its goal of reclaiming power in the state despite the legal setback.
