The Court of Appeal in Akure has upheld Dr. Wole Oluyede as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) legitimate candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
In a unanimous decision on Thursday, a three-justice panel overturned a previous ruling by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti. The appellate court confirmed that the PDP’s primary election, held on November 8 and 9, 2025, was validly conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and Nigeria’s Electoral Act. The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah alongside Justices Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Peter O. Affen, specifically validated the primary organized by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, describing it as lawful and transparent.
This ruling reverses the January 13, 2026, Federal High Court order that had nullified that same primary. The PDP had appealed the lower court’s decision, arguing the primary was properly conducted. The Court of Appeal agreed, setting aside the nullification and affirming Oluyede’s candidacy.
The legal battle stemmed from challenges to the party’s nomination process, creating uncertainty for the PDP’s election strategy. With this appellate victory, the dispute over the party’s flag-bearer is now settled. The PDP is expected to proceed with its campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State with Dr. Oluyede as its confirmed candidate. The decision provides clarity more than a year before the scheduled vote, allowing the party to focus its resources on the general election contest.
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