A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has annulled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election held for the 2026 governorship poll, ordering the party to conduct a fresh primary election.
In his ruling, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld allegations of irregularities raised by one of the aspirants, Prince Funso Ayeni, who had approached the court to challenge the conduct of the primary election.
Ayeni alleged that there was manipulation of the approved delegate list on the day of the election, a development he argued compromised the transparency, fairness, and internal democracy of the process.
The court, in its judgment, ruled that the primary election was marred by “gross abuse of process” and “a clear disregard” for the PDP’s electoral guidelines. Justice Kuewumi also emphasised that the violations were contrary to both the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which binds all individuals and institutions involved in electoral processes.
The ruling marked a significant setback for the PDP as the party now faces the daunting task of conducting a fresh primary election in preparation for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, the South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Sanya Atofarati, indicated that the party would explore all available legal options, including filing an appeal.
Atofarati expressed confidence in the PDP’s legal team, stating that the ruling would not impede the party’s preparations for the upcoming election.
He said, “The judgment is not the end of the judicial process. We will explore all available legal options, including appealing this ruling.
“Despite this setback, the PDP’s preparations for the June 20, 2026, governorship election remain on track. Our campaign machinery is already in full motion.”
Atofarati reassured the public that the party’s campaign had not been derailed, emphasising that the PDP had already inaugurated its campaign committee and launched grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state.
He noted that the party was intensifying its activities across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State in support of its candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede.
The PDP spokesperson also dismissed claims that the court action was anything other than part of a broader conspiracy against the party and its flagbearer.
He maintained that the primary election had been free, fair, and well-monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.
Atofarati said, “It may appear like a setback, but it is not. Ekiti people are resolved to change the government due to the underperformance of the current administration, and they see the PDP as the only credible alternative.”
Atofarati further clarified that the PDP’s primary process had been thoroughly conducted, with delegates electing Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate. He added that some aggrieved aspirants had gone to court to challenge the process, with one of them ultimately withdrawing her case, leaving only Ayeni as the petitioner.
He added, “This ruling represents only the first stage of the judicial process, and we are confident in the outcome of the ongoing proceedings.
“We remain focused and undistracted. Our mobilisation efforts are already in full swing, and we will continue working hard from unit to unit, ward to ward, and across all local governments in Ekiti State.”