The Court of Appeal in Akure has confirmed Dr. Wole Oluyede as the legitimately nominated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, a three-member appellate panel overturned an earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, which had nullified the party’s primary election.
The panel, headed by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah and including Justices Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Peter O. Affen, ruled that the PDP primary that produced Oluyede was valid and conducted in accordance with both the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The court specifically affirmed that the primary election organised by the National Working Committee, NWC, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was lawful, transparent and properly conducted.
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti had on January 13, 2026, nullified the Ekiti PDP governorship primary held on November 8 and 9, 2025.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, the PDP filed an appeal, asking the appellate court to overturn the decision of the lower court.
In its ruling on Thursday, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, declaring that the primary election that produced Oluyede was duly conducted.
The ruling effectively settles the leadership and candidacy dispute that had trailed the party’s preparations for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
With the judgment, the PDP is expected to proceed into the election with Oluyede as its candidate.