Ekiti PDP Candidate, Oluyede, Vows to Challenge Exclusion from Governorship Ballot

Dr. Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, has vowed to challenge his exclusion from the list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC’s published list of candidates for the election did not include Oluyede or the PDP, despite the party holding a primary election on November 8, 2025, which was monitored by officials from the electoral body.

Addressing journalists in Ikere Ekiti on Thursday, Oluyede expressed surprise at the omission, stating that INEC officials had supervised the primary where he emerged as the candidate and had even submitted legal affidavits confirming his candidacy in related court cases.

“I am not aware of any reason that should preclude me from the election. As far as I know, there is no court injunction or order that should exclude me from that list,” Oluyede said.

He questioned INEC’s authority to determine a party’s nominee, emphasizing that the commission’s role is to confirm candidates presented by political parties, not to disqualify them without legal basis.

Oluyede described the move as an attempt to disenfranchise both him and the PDP, calling it a “tragedy” and promising to “fight it with all that it requires.” He indicated he is consulting with his party and plans to engage INEC for clarification before deciding on further action.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and reaffirmed his confidence in winning the election. “I want to reassure you that I am going to be the next governor of the state, which means I am going to be on the ballot,” he stated.

Oluyede also criticized what he termed a pattern of excluding opponents from elections, arguing that such practices undermine democracy. “If you are sure you have performed well, you should have the confidence to go into an election. It is not right to disenfranchise people,” he added.

He expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances, claiming the party is now united and free from past internal issues that affected its electoral performance.

INEC has yet to publicly comment on the specific exclusion of the PDP candidate from the list.