Federal High Court orders INEC to recognise Oluyede as PDP candidate for Ekiti governorship, including his name and logo on the ballot
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Dr. Oluwole Oluyede as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
Also read: NRM faction backs INEC, warns against attempt to hijack party leadership
In a judgment delivered by Justice Umar on Friday, the court granted all reliefs sought by Oluyede and the PDP in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/40/2026, filed against INEC.
The ruling came after the electoral body excluded Oluyede from the list of candidates for the forthcoming poll.
The court directed INEC to immediately include Oluyede’s name and the PDP logo on the ballot and issued a perpetual injunction preventing the Commission from rejecting or excluding him from any governorship election activities.
Oluyede had earlier received a certificate of return from the PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, confirming him as the party’s flagbearer. INEC, under Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, had initially refused to list him as a candidate, prompting the legal challenge.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP described the ruling as a victory for justice and democracy.
Also read: INEC Denies Fake March 26 Resignation Deadline for 2027 Polls
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party urged INEC to operate strictly within the law and called on members in Ekiti State to intensify their campaign efforts ahead of the election.
The judgment is expected to solidify Oluyede’s candidacy and allow the PDP to fully participate in the Ekiti governorship race with confidence.
