In a major judicial upheaval that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Ekiti State, a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election conducted for the upcoming 2026 polls.
The landmark judgment, delivered today, Tuesday, 13 January 2026, by Justice Babs Kuewumi, effectively voids the nomination of Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s flagbearer and orders a fresh primary to be conducted within a timeframe compliant with electoral guidelines.
The ruling followed a legal challenge instituted by Prince Funso Ayeni, a prominent PDP governorship aspirant who felt aggrieved by the conduct of the initial exercise.
Prince Ayeni approached the court alleging a gross lack of transparency. He specifically claimed that the approved delegate list was illegally manipulated on the very morning of the primary to favor a specific candidate.
Justice Kuewumi upheld these allegations, ruling that the conduct of the primary was a “gross abuse of process” and a clear violation of the PDP’s own electoral guidelines and constitution.
The court declared the previous exercise “null, void, and of no effect,” mandating the party to reorganize a fresh, transparent primary that respects the rights of all accredited delegates.
The PDP leadership in the South-West has refused to accept the ruling as the final word. Speaking shortly after the judgment, the PDP South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sanya Atofarati, expressed the party’s dissatisfaction.
Atofarati confirmed that the party’s legal team is already reviewing the judgment with the intent to file an immediate appeal.
He maintained that the original primary was “free and fair” and monitored by INEC officials.
Despite the legal setback, the party insists its grassroots mobilization across the 16 local government areas will continue unabated ahead of the June 20, 2026 general election.
This judicial intervention complicates the race to the Ekiti Government House, where the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji (who has already been affirmed as the APC candidate), remains a formidable opponent.
Political analysts in Ado-Ekiti suggest that this ruling could deepen the existing “pro-Fayose” and “anti-Fayose” fissures within the Ekiti PDP. If a fresh primary is held, the party faces a race against time to reconcile warring factions before the INEC deadline for candidate submission.
“This is a victory for internal democracy, but a nightmare for party strategy. The PDP cannot afford a divided house if they intend to unseat an incumbent who currently enjoys the ‘affirmation’ of his own party.” – Political Commentator, Ekiti State.
