Federal High Court Nullifies PDP Governorship Primary in Ekiti, Orders Fresh Election
A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship primary election in Ekiti State, dealing a legal setback to the party’s preparations ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship poll.
In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the PDP’s primary, which produced Dr. Wole Oluyede as its flagbearer, was invalid due to non-compliance with both party guidelines and the Electoral Act.
The court found that the party failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates, a lapse the judge said undermined transparency and fairness in the process.
Justice Kuewumi, who presided over the case, consequently ordered the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh governorship primary in strict compliance with the law and relevant party rules.
He further directed that all eligible aspirants must be allowed to participate in the rerun to ensure internal democracy.
The suit was filed by Prince Funso Ayeni, an aspirant in the PDP primary, who argued that the irregularities in the delegate list constituted a fundamental breach of both the party’s constitution and electoral regulations.
Dr. Oluyede had earlier emerged winner of the November 8, 2025 primary, scoring 279 votes to defeat Ayeni and Mrs. Funmi Ogun under a committee led by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo.
Reacting to the ruling, the PDP’s South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said the party retains the right to appeal the judgment and expressed confidence that its legal team will act on it immediately.
Atofarati contended that internal party processes had been duly followed and urged supporters to remain calm as the campaign efforts continue.
The judgment arrives amid heightened political activity in Ekiti as parties ramp up preparations for the June governorship election.
The PDP’s setback may have implications for its strategy in the South-West state, where internal cohesion and compliance with electoral laws are increasingly under scrutiny.
The party now faces both the legal deadline and logistical challenge of organising a transparent and credible primary that can withstand further judicial review ahead of the 2026 polls.
