In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, the three-member appellate panel set aside the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti which had nullified the party’s primary election.
The panel, led by Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah and comprising Justices Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Peter O. Affen, held that the PDP primary election that produced Oluyede was valid and conducted in compliance with 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.
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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.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
