In a significant development for Nigeria's political landscape, the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has nullified the governorship primary election conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State. The court has issued a fresh order mandating a new primary ahead of the crucial 2026 governorship poll in the state.
Primary Election Declared Invalid
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Babs Kuewumi ruled that the exercise which produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party's flagbearer was conducted in clear violation of both the Electoral Act and the PDP's own internal guidelines. The primary had been held on 8 November 2025 by an electoral committee led by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, where Oluyede scored 279 votes to defeat his rivals.
The judgment came in response to a suit marked FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, filed by a fellow aspirant, Mr Funsho Ayeni. Ayeni had challenged the validity of the primary, dragging both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the court. His legal team, led by Mr Kola Kolade, SAN, argued that the party failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the primary election.
Court Orders Fresh Primary with Strict Compliance
In his ruling, Justice Kuewumi held that the absence of the original delegates' list constituted a fundamental breach, invalidating the entire exercise. "The failure to present the original and authentic list of delegates is a clear violation of the party's guidelines and the Electoral Act," the judge declared.
Consequently, the court ordered the PDP, in collaboration with INEC, to conduct a fresh governorship primary. This new exercise must be carried out in strict compliance with the provisions of the law and the relevant party guidelines. The judge emphasized that adherence to due process is essential for ensuring credibility in party primaries, especially as the state prepares for the 2026 election.
All Aspirants Must Be Allowed to Contest
In a move to guarantee transparency and internal democracy, Justice Kuewumi further directed that all eligible aspirants must be allowed to participate in the fresh primary. This directive aims to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all contenders within the party.
During the court proceedings, Dr Oluyede was represented by a legal team comprising Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, and Mr Owoseni Ajayi, SAN. The PDP was represented by its legal adviser in Osun State, Mr Ola Alonge. The court had earlier adjourned the matter to 8 December 2025 for further hearing before delivering this final judgment.
This ruling is expected to significantly reshape the PDP's preparations for the Ekiti 2026 governorship race. The party must now return to the drawing board to produce a new candidate under legally sound conditions. Political observers note that this judgment underscores the growing judicial scrutiny of party primaries and the emphasis on internal democracy ahead of major elections in Nigeria.
