Court of Appeal Upholds Oluyede as PDP's Gubernatorial Candidate

The Court of Appeal in Akure has confirmed the legitimacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that selected Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party's candidate for the gubernatorial position in Ekiti State.

In a unanimous ruling, the three-member appellate panel, which included Hon. Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah, Hon. Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang, and Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen, overruled the earlier decision made by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti.

The judges noted that the primary election, overseen by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was conducted in a valid, transparent manner and adhered to both the party's constitution and the stipulations of the Electoral Act.

Chief Sanya Atofarati, the PDP South-West Publicity Secretary and Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP 2026 Governorship Campaign Council, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it signifies a positive shift for the PDP in Ekiti State.

He remarked that the success is not only a victory for Dr. Oluyede or the PDP but for the broader populace of Ekiti State.

“We embrace this decision and commend the judiciary’s determination, despite pressures from our political opponents. The judges in this case demonstrated that democracy can flourish when there is respect and integrity in the system,” he added.