PDP Gubernatorial Candidate Challenges Ekiti Election Results, Cites Irregularities

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the recent Ekiti State gubernatorial election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has formally rejected the outcome of the June 20 poll, asserting that the process failed to meet the standard of a free, fair, and credible election.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Oluyede expressed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election, which saw the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared the winner. Oluyede secured second place with 40,543 votes, while the governor polled 319,224 votes.

Oluyede cited widespread reports of voter inducement, intimidation, and technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as primary reasons for his objection. He noted that the grievances reported by his polling agents across the 16 local government areas raise significant questions that require an impartial and transparent examination.

The candidate stated that he is currently engaged in extensive consultations with his legal team and party leadership to determine the next steps. “Whatever decision is eventually taken will always be guided by the rule of law, the interest of our supporters, and my unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the future of Ekiti State,” he affirmed.

Beyond the election outcome, Oluyede addressed internal party politics, criticizing former PDP members who had publicly declared the party irrelevant in the state. He defended his campaign as a grassroots-led movement that succeeded in keeping the party relevant despite what he described as a lack of support from influential political figures.

While he acknowledged his respect for national democratic institutions, he emphasized that his participation in the race was driven by a mission to restore hope and defend the electorate’s right to choice. He concluded by assuring his supporters that their efforts were not in vain and promised to provide a formal update on his next course of action following the completion of his legal consultations.