Ekiti PDP gubernatorial hopeful welcomes court ruling instructing INEC to list his name

Dr Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, has hailed a court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish his name as the party's flagbearer as a resounding victory for the people of Ekiti.

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The judgment has also been welcomed by the PDP in the Southwest Zone, which has described it as a significant triumph for justice, democracy, and the rule of law, underscoring the party's commitment to upholding these principles.

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Prior to this development, the Independent National Electoral Commission had omitted the name of the PDP and its candidate while publishing the final list of candidates for the Ekiti governorship election on January 19, citing the division within the party as the reason for its decision.

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This move by INEC was a result of its earlier rejection of the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP governorship candidate, Oluyede, which prompted the PDP to challenge the decision in court, leading to a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering INEC to include Oluyede's name and the party's logo on the ballot on Friday.

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The court's ruling also prohibited INEC from excluding Oluyede from any election-related activity, thereby paving the way for his participation in the upcoming election, and Oluyede has expressed his gratitude for the judgment, stating that it meets the expectations of the Ekiti people.

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Oluyede, in a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Gani Salau, emphasized that the judgment is a welcome development, allowing the party to focus on its campaign and prepare for the election with renewed vigor.

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He urged the people of Ekiti, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure that the current All Progressives Congress-led government, headed by Biodun Oyebanji, is voted out on June 20, thereby liberating the state through the power of their votes.

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Oluyede assured the people of Ekiti that his campaign would focus on issue-based discussions, highlighting his plans to transform the state for the betterment of all citizens and differentiate his vision from that of the incumbent Oyebanji government.

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He extended his appreciation to the people of Ekiti for their unwavering support and solidarity, encouraging them to translate this support into votes for him and the PDP in the June 20 governorship election.

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Chief Sanya Atofarati, the PDP Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary, congratulated Oluyede and the party on their victory in court, stating that the judgment reaffirms the supremacy of democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing that no institution is above the law.

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Atofarati called on all PDP members and supporters across Ekiti to intensify their grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, expressing confidence that the momentum is now with the PDP and that victory is certain.

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The PDP Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary commended the judiciary for its courage in upholding justice and appreciated the people of Ekiti State for their steadfast support and belief in the triumph of justice, marking a significant milestone in the party's journey towards the election.