Ekiti 2026: Court voids Oluyede’s emergence as PDP governorship candidate, orders fresh primary
The Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti Division, on Tuesday nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election which produced Dr Wole Oluyede.
Consequently, the court has ordered a fresh governorship primary election in the state.
The court gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a governorship aspirant, Funsho Ayeni, against PDP and Independent National Election Commission (INEC).
Mr Ayeni had approached the court to challenge the validity of the governorship primary, alleging that the party failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the exercise.
He also argued that the absence of the original delegates’ list constituted a fundamental breach of the PDP guidelines and the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the primary election invalid.
Delivering judgment, Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution.
Mr Kuewumi consequently nullified the primary election and ordered PDP, in conjunction with INEC, to conduct a fresh primary in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.
The judge ordered that all eligible aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh primary election to ensure transparency, fairness and internal democracy within the party.
The court had earlier adjourned the case instituted against Oluyede until December 8, 2025 for further hearing.
Mr Oluyede emerged winner of the governorship primary election conducted on November 8, 2025 by the Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo-led electoral committee.
At the election, Mr Oluyede scored 279 votes to defeat Funsho Ayeni and Funmi Ogun.
In the suit numbered: FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, Mr Ayeni is challenging Mr Oluyede’s victory in the primary election
During the last hearing, Kola Kolade, SAN, led other lawyers to represent Mr Ayeni, while Ola Olanipekun and Owoseni Ajayi, both SANs, represented Mr Oluyede, with the PDP Legal Adviser in Osun, Ola Alonge, holding brief for the party.
After listening to submissions by the parties, the judge assured that he would ensure speedy hearing of the case.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
2027: Naval chief tasks military personnel on political neutrality
Mr Abbas reiterated the need for personnel to renew commitment to the service of the nation.
World
Al Jazeera kicks against Israeli PM Netanyahu’s ‘toxic’ media remark
It noted, “This rhetoric cannot be separated from the heavy toll borne by Al Jazeera’s journalists in Gaza.”
NationWide
Tinubu charges newly commissioned military officers to protect Nigerians
Mr Tinubu said the NDA had enhanced its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training.
Showbiz
Mr Macaroni paid me N1 million for featuring in movie scene, says veteran actor Fatomilola
Mr Fatomilola, in an interview with Africa List, hailed Mr Adedayo for his show of generosity during their encounters.
States
Troops rescue 14 victims freed in Katsina, nab three suspects with N2.7 million
Mr Danja stated that the suspects and the recovered items were in military custody for further investigation.
Heading 5
Federal CEOs appoint Akume patron, pledge 10 million votes for Tinubu
The forum chairman commended Mr Akume’s institutional stewardship, wisdom and experience.
