The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court that cancelled its governorship primary election for the 2026 poll. The primary had produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
The party confirmed that it has approached the Court of Appeal to reverse the ruling and has also applied for a stay of execution. According to the party, this legal move is meant to maintain the current position until the appellate court gives its decision.
The PDP insisted that Dr Oluyede remains its validly nominated candidate, stating that the primary election was properly conducted and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party maintained that the court case would not distract it from its plans ahead of the governorship election.
The party accused the All Progressives Congress of using the court judgment to weaken the opposition. It said the legal challenge has instead strengthened its determination to win back the state from the ruling party in 2026.
The PDP also criticised the APC-led government in Ekiti, claiming that pensioners are owed arrears, roads are in poor condition, schools are declining, businesses are burdened with multiple taxes, and public facilities are neglected. It further alleged that the ruling party is facing internal dissatisfaction among its members.
The party made it clear that it has not withdrawn its support for Oluyede and will only do so if a higher court gives a final decision against him. It also raised concerns over the absence of Oluyede’s name from INEC’s provisional list of candidates, describing it as an unlawful attempt to keep the party out of the election.
The PDP said it has taken legal steps to compel INEC to act in line with the law, adding that no institution has the power to stop it from participating in the election. It called on its members and supporters to remain focused and continue grassroots mobilisation, especially by taking part in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The Federal High Court had nullified the PDP primary after a suit filed by one of the party’s aspirants, Funso Ayeni. The court ruled that the primary election held on November 8, 2025 did not follow legal provisions and the party’s constitution, and ordered the conduct of a fresh primary.