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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Dr Wole Oluyede as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar in a suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/40/2026. between PDP VS INEC, the court held that the reliefs sought by the applicant have merit and declared that INEC’s refusal to publish the PDP candidate’s name was both “illegal and unlawful”
The court ruled that INEC acted outside its legal powers by refusing to publish the PDP candidate’s name following the party’s primary process.
It further ruled that INEC has no legal authority to unilaterally disqualify or refuse the publication of a candidate submitted by a recognised political party without a valid legal basis.
The court consequently issued an Order of Mandamus, compelling and directing the commission to immediately include and publish Dr. Wole Oluyede’s name on the official list of candidates for the Ekiti polls.
Oluyede had approached the court after INEC excluded his name from the official list of candidates the commission published to contest the June 20 governorship election in the state.
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Oluyede had earlier received a Certificate of Return from the National Chairman of the PDP, Kabiru Turaki(SAN) after he emerged the candidate of the PDP in the November 8, 2025 governorship primary election of the party held in Ado-Ekiti, which was conducted by members of the election committee chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo and witnessed by officials of INEC.
Welcoming the development, the South-West chapter of the PDP, said “the ruling marks a major turning point in the Ekiti governorship race.”
In a statement signed by the PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, on Friday and made available to newsmen, said” the judgment is a victory for democracy and the rule of law, reaffirming that no institution is above the law.”
The statement added, ” We congratulate Dr. Wole Oluyede, whose candidacy has now been firmly validated by the court, and commend the judiciary for its courage in upholding justice.
“We also appreciate the good people of Ekiti State for their steadfast support and belief in the triumph of justice.
“With this legal victory secured, we call on all PDP members and supporters across every ward and local government in Ekiti to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
“The momentum is now with the PDP. Victory is certain “
