Ado Ekiti Federal High Court on Tuesday ordered the PDP to conduct fresh governorship primaries. Justice Babs Kuewumi nullified the November 8 primaries where Dr Wole Oluyede emerged as candidate.
Funso Ayeni, a disappointed aspirant, approached the court seeking cancellation of the initial primary election. Ayeni claimed the PDP violated its guidelines and constitution by not presenting authentic delegate lists. Through his counsel, Kola Kolade SAN, Ayeni argued the absence of original delegates breached electoral laws.
The plaintiff insisted this omission invalidated the primary election and undermined internal party democracy. In his ruling, Justice Kuewumi stated the primary did not follow the law and party constitution. He directed the PDP and INEC to organize a fresh election following all legal guidelines.
All eligible aspirants must be allowed to participate to ensure fairness, transparency, and democracy. Counsel to Oluyede, Owoseni Ajayi, expressed dissatisfaction and announced plans to appeal the court judgment.
Oluyede’s name had been excluded from INEC’s December 29 list of governorship candidates. He vowed to explore all legal options to restore his name and contest the June 20 election. The court ruling emphasizes strict compliance with electoral laws and reinforces transparency in party politics. Fresh primaries aim to guarantee fairness for all candidates and strengthen internal party democracy.
