The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has upheld the controversial 2025 governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, confirming Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate for the upcoming governorship election.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah, the appellate court overturned the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, which had nullified the primary election conducted on November 8 and 9, 2025.
The appellate court ruled that the primary election carried out under the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the PDP complied with the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, describing the process as valid and transparent.
The earlier judgment by the Federal High Court had invalidated the primary election and ordered a fresh exercise after a lawsuit challenged the legitimacy of the delegate list used during the party’s internal election.
However, dissatisfied with the decision, the PDP filed an appeal, asking the higher court to set aside the ruling. After reviewing the arguments and evidence presented, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and reinstated the outcome of the original primary election.
The judgment effectively confirms Oluyede as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State election, bringing an end to months of internal disputes and legal battles within the party over the nomination.
Party officials and supporters have welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major step toward stabilising the party ahead of the election and enabling it to focus on campaigning and strengthening its political structure across the state.
Political observers say the decision is expected to reshape the dynamics of the Ekiti governorship race, as the PDP now moves forward with its candidate while preparations for the election continue.
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