The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Dr. Oluwole Oluyede as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming Ekiti State election.

Delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/40/2026, Justice Umar granted all reliefs sought by Oluyede and the PDP against the electoral body. The court criticised INEC for excluding Oluyede from the list of candidates and ordered the Commission to immediately recognise him, including placing his name and the PDP logo on the ballot.

The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from rejecting or excluding Oluyede from any activities connected with the governorship election.

Oluyede had earlier received a certificate of return from the PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, confirming him as the party’s flagbearer. However, INEC, under the leadership of Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, reportedly refused to list him, prompting the legal challenge.

In reaction, the PDP described the judgment as a victory for justice and democracy, urging the Commission to act within the law. The party also called on its members in Ekiti State to intensify campaign activities ahead of the election, expressing confidence in a win with Oluyede as its candidate.