The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti which nullified its governorship primary, insisting that Dr Wole Oluyede remains the party’s duly nominated candidate for the June 20, 2026 election.
The court had on Tuesday nullified the November 8, 2025 governorship primary that produced Oluyede and ordered the conduct of a fresh exercise.
Reacting, the PDP Governorship Campaign Council described the ruling as a distraction aimed at slowing the party’s momentum ahead of the poll.
In a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune and signed by the Director of Media and Communication of the Campaign Council, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the party said the judgment does not erode the legitimacy of Oluyede’s candidacy nor weaken its growing grassroots support across the state.
“This judgment is clearly part of a calculated attempt by desperate political interests to distract the PDP, slow down our momentum, and divert attention from our rapidly advancing grassroots campaign across Ekiti State,” the statement said.
The Council reaffirmed that Oluyede emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the PDP constitution, the Electoral Act and established judicial precedents, stressing that political parties retain authority over their internal affairs.
“The PDP unequivocally reaffirms the authenticity and legality of the nomination of Dr Wole Oluyede as the duly elected governorship candidate of the party,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the court ruling, the Campaign Council disclosed that it had instructed its legal team to study the judgment and pursue all available legal options.
“We have taken due notice of the judgment and have directed our legal team to thoroughly review the decision and promptly seek appropriate legal redress through all lawful means available,” it stated, expressing confidence in the strength of its case.
The party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and its allies of spreading misinformation to undermine the PDP’s campaign, describing such actions as evidence of fear over Oluyede’s rising popularity.
“We strongly caution our members and supporters against falling for misinformation and propaganda being peddled by the ruling APC and its collaborators,” the Council said.
Reiterating its focus on the election, the PDP assured Ekiti residents that a government led by Oluyede would prioritise inclusive governance, transparency and accountability, with commitments to improved healthcare, affordable education, functional infrastructure, job creation and sustainable development.
The Council urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and remain committed to peaceful and lawful democratic participation, noting that the PDP remains united and undeterred despite the court ruling.
