2026: Court Cancels Ekiti PDP Governorship Primary, Orders Fresh Election

A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cancelled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship primary for the 2026 election and directed the party to organise a fresh primary.

Justice Babs Kuewumi, in his ruling, upheld claims of irregularities brought forward by aspirant Prince Funso Ayeni, who had challenged the primary, alleging manipulation of the approved delegate list on election day.

Ayeni argued that the PDP primary election process compromised transparency, democracy, and fairness.

The court declared that there was a major abuse of political procedure and a blatant disregard for the PDP’s electoral guidelines.

It noted that the violations contradicted both the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which applies to all individuals and institutions.

In reaction to the court verdict, PDP South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sanya Atofarati, said the party would pursue all legal options, including an appeal.

Atofarati expressed confidence in the party’s legal team, emphasising that “the judgment did not mark the end of the judicial process.”

He added that the ruling would not disrupt the party’s preparation for the June 20, 2026 governorship election, noting that the PDP’s campaign machinery was already active.

He highlighted that the party has inaugurated its campaign committee and begun grassroots mobilisation across all 16 local government areas of the state in support of its candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede.

Describing the court action as part of a broader scheme against the PDP and its flag bearer, Atofarati insisted that the primary was free and fair and observed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

“It may appear like a setback, but it is not,” he said. “Ekiti people are already resolved to change the government in the state due to the underperformance of the current administration, and they see the PDP as the only tested and trusted alternative.

“After a thorough primary process, the delegates elected Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate. Some aggrieved aspirants went to court to challenge that process. One of them withdrew her case, leaving only one petitioner.”

He added that the court ruling represents only the initial stage of the judicial process, stressing that the PDP remains determined and focused.

“We are not relenting. Mobilisation has commenced from unit to unit, ward to ward, and across all local governments in Ekiti State,” Atofarati stated.