Court sacks PDP FLAGbearer oluyede, orders fresh primary

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has nullified the nomination of Wole Oluyede as the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary election.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld the complaints of irregularities raised by one of the aspirants, Funso [surname], who challenged the outcome of the party’s primary election. The court held that the PDP failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s own guidelines in the conduct of the primary that produced Oluyede.

Justice Kuewumi ruled that the process was flawed and lacked transparency, noting that evidence before the court showed substantial non-compliance with established procedures. The judge consequently set aside Oluyede’s nomination and directed the PDP to organize a fresh primary election within a stipulated time, in line with the law and party rules.

The court further restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing or accepting Oluyede as the PDP candidate for the affected election, pending the conduct of a valid primary.

Reacting after the judgment, the claimant described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, urging the PDP leadership to ensure fairness and internal democracy in the forthcoming exercise. He also called on party members to remain calm and united.

Meanwhile, party sources said the PDP is studying the judgment and may decide whether to comply fully or explore legal options, including an appeal.

The ruling has thrown the party’s preparations into uncertainty, as stakeholders await the next steps that will determine who emerges as the PDP candidate ahead of the election.