Ekiti Appeal Court confirms Oluyede as PDP governorship candidate

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By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado-Ekiti

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The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has upheld the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Ekiti State, confirming Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s governorship candidate.

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The three-man appellate panel, led by Hon. Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah and comprising Hon. Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen, overturned an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, which had nullified the PDP primary held on November 8–9, 2025.

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The judges affirmed that the primary conducted under the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee complied with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, describing it as valid and transparent.

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PDP Southwest Publicity Secretary and Director of Media for the party’s 2026 governorship campaign, Sanya Atofarati, welcomed the judgment, calling it a “step toward true democracy in Ekiti State.”

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He said the ruling is a victory not just for Dr. Oluyede or the PDP but for the entire people of Ekiti State. Atofarati added that the party remains focused on grassroots engagement and resolving internal conflicts in line with democratic principles.

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“The judiciary has demonstrated that democracy thrives when there is respect for internal political structures and conflict resolution. Today, the momentum is with the PDP in Ekiti State,” he said.

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The ruling effectively settles disputes over the party’s leadership and candidacy ahead of the 2026 governorship election, positioning the PDP to contest with a united front.

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