Appeal Court affirms Oluyede PDP Ekiti candidate, overturning a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party’s 2025 governorship primary
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure on Thursday affirmed Dr Wole Oluyede as the duly nominated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2026 Ekiti State election, overturning an earlier Federal High Court decision that nullified the party’s primary.
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In a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel led by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah, with Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Justice Peter O. Affen, ruled that the primary election which produced Oluyede complied with the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The court held that the exercise organised by the party’s National Working Committee under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was lawful, transparent and properly conducted.
The ruling set aside a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on 13 January 2026, which had nullified the Ekiti PDP governorship primary held on 8 and 9 November 2025.
Dissatisfied with the lower court’s decision, the Peoples Democratic Party filed an appeal seeking to overturn the ruling.
Delivering its verdict, the appellate court allowed the appeal and declared that the primary election that produced Oluyede remained valid.
The decision effectively resolves the protracted legal dispute surrounding the party’s governorship ticket and clears the way for Oluyede to contest the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election under the PDP banner.
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The judgment is expected to strengthen the party’s preparations for the forthcoming poll as it moves forward with a confirmed candidate.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
