An Ekiti State High Court has nullified the emergence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2026 election, Mr. Oluyede, ordering the party to conduct fresh primaries. The court held that the process that produced Oluyede did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the PDP’s own guidelines.

In the judgment delivered on Tuesday, the court faulted alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary election, including issues surrounding delegate selection and procedural compliance. The judge ruled that these lapses were substantial enough to invalidate the outcome of the exercise.

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Consequently, the court directed the PDP to organize a fresh governorship primary within a stipulated timeframe, in line with the law and the party’s constitution. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also ordered to recognize only candidates that emerge from a validly conducted primary.

Reacting to the ruling, PDP officials in Ekiti said the party would study the judgment before deciding on its next line of action, including the possibility of an appeal. Supporters of Oluyede, however, expressed disappointment, describing the decision as a setback to the party’s preparations for the 2026 governorship race.

The judgment has further reshaped the Ekiti political landscape, reopening the contest for the PDP ticket and intensifying intra-party maneuverings as aspirants prepare for a fresh battle ahead of the 2026 election.