The Nigerian Court of Appeal in Akure has affirmed Dr. Oluwole Oluyede as the legitimate governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, resolving a prolonged internal party dispute ahead of the June 20, 2025, state election.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, a three-justice panel led by Honourable Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah set aside the January 13, 2026, ruling of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti. That lower court had nullified the PDP primary election held on November 8 and 9, 2025, and ordered a fresh primary. The appellate court found the primary to have been validly conducted, transparent, and in full compliance with the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.
The justices determined that the primary, supervised by former Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo under the national party leadership of Uche Secondus (the Damagun-led administration), was properly convened. A key point in the ruling was that the election concluded before the subsequent national leadership, led by Senator Iyorchia Ayu (the Turaki-led administration), assumed office. Therefore, the court held, the primary fell under the authority and guidelines of the then-existing party executive.
This legal victory restores Dr. Oluyede as the standard-bearer for the PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, in the pivotal Ekiti State governorship contest. The ruling removes a significant obstacle for the party’s campaign strategy as it prepares for the June 20 poll. The Appeal Court’s decision clarifies the legitimacy of the candidate and reinforces the principle that internal party primaries conducted under a recognised administration are presumed valid unless proven otherwise. The PDP will now proceed with its general election campaign with Dr. Oluyede at the helm, while opponents are expected to challenge his candidacy on other potential grounds.
