The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has expressed confidence in winning the June 20, 2026 governorship election following a Court of Appeal judgment affirming Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate.
Oluyede welcomed Thursday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal in Akure, describing it as a victory for the people of Ekiti State and a boost to the party’s chances in the upcoming poll.
The legal dispute began after the PDP governorship primary held on November 8, 2025, which produced Oluyede as the party’s flagbearer. One of the aspirants, Funso Ayeni, challenged the result at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
In its January 13, 2026 judgment, the Federal High Court nullified the primary election and ordered the conduct of a fresh exercise. However, Oluyede and the PDP appealed the decision.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Peter Obiorah and including Justices Jane Inyang and Peter Affen, unanimously overturned the lower court’s ruling. The court held that the PDP primary election was valid, transparent, and conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Reacting in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Gani Salau, Oluyede said the judgment, along with a recent ruling compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish his name as the PDP candidate, had cleared the way for the party to focus on the election.
He said the party’s main rival in the race would be the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, adding that the PDP was determined to reclaim the state.
Oluyede also called on residents of Ekiti to remain committed to the party’s cause and support its efforts to take over the state government.
He extended an olive branch to Ayeni and other aspirants who contested the PDP ticket, urging them to unite with him to secure victory in the election.
Meanwhile, the PDP South-West zone welcomed the appellate court’s decision, praising the judiciary for upholding justice.
The party’s South-West Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the ruling had strengthened the PDP’s momentum in Ekiti and reflected growing support from residents.
According to him, the backing received during the legal battle showed that many voters in the state favour the PDP.
Atofarati also urged eligible voters to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election.
