The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for the June 20, 2026 election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has described the court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish his name as the party’s flagbearer as a victory for the people of Ekiti.
The PDP in the Southwest Zone also praised the verdict, calling it a triumph for justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
INEC had initially omitted Oluyede’s name while releasing its “final list of candidates” for the Ekiti governorship election on January 19, following the party’s internal dispute involving the Tanimu Turaki-led faction.
Oluyede and the PDP challenged INEC’s decision in court, and a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the commission to include his name and the party’s logo on the ballot. The court also prohibited INEC from excluding him from any election-related activities.
Reacting to the judgment, Oluyede said the order directing INEC “to include and publish my name as the authentic and duly elected candidate of the party is a victory for the people of Ekiti State.”
In a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Gani Salau, Oluyede said, “This judgment meets the expectation of Ekiti people. This judgment is a welcome development. We can now have more time to put everything together and focus on our campaign.”
He urged residents, regardless of political affiliation, “to make sure that the present Biodun Oyebanji-led All Progressives Congress government ends on June 20 through votes that would liberate Ekiti State.”
Oluyede added, “I can assure the people of Ekiti that our campaign will be issue-based on what I have to transform our dear state for the betterment of every one of us and, at the same time, make things different from the Oyebanji government.”
He also thanked the people of Ekiti for their continued love, solidarity, and support, urging them to turn it into votes for him and the PDP in the June 20 governorship election.
The PDP Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, congratulated Oluyede and the party on the court victory. He said, “This judgment is a victory for democracy and the rule of law, reaffirming that no institution is above the law. 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.”
He further commended the judiciary for upholding justice and appreciated the people of Ekiti State for their steadfast support and belief in the triumph of justice.