Ekiti Guber Fallout: PDP Candidate Launches Legal Battle Over Election Outcome

Dr. Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Ekiti State governorship election, has initiated comprehensive consultations with his legal team and party leaders to thoroughly review the outcome of the June 20 poll. Emphasizing his commitment to democratic principles, Oluyede stated that the subsequent course of action would be strictly guided by the rule of law and the overarching interest of democracy in the state.

In a message addressed to the people of Ekiti State on Sunday, Oluyede expressed profound gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering commitment throughout the campaign. He, however, maintained that the election profoundly failed to meet the essential standards of a free, fair, and credible contest. Concerns were raised based on detailed reports from the party's polling agents across all 16 local government areas of the state, corroborated by his campaign's independent assessment. These reports highlighted numerous alleged irregularities, including voter inducement, instances of intimidation, significant operational challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), delayed accreditation processes, and other procedural anomalies. Oluyede asserted that these serious allegations necessitate a transparent and impartial examination before any final decision is reached.

The election results, as declared by INEC’s Chief Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), showed Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing victory with 319,224 votes. Dr. Oluyede of the PDP came in a distant second with 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) placed third with 12,872 votes in an election contested by 13 political parties.

Oluyede reiterated his deep respect for the Office of the President and for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring that every step taken post-election must be characterized by wisdom, responsibility, and profound respect for democratic institutions. He assured his supporters that any eventual decision would consistently be guided by legal principles, the welfare of his supporters, and his steadfast dedication to justice, democracy, and the future prosperity of Ekiti State.

The PDP standard-bearer confirmed that consultations with the party leadership, his legal counsel, and members of his legal team are actively ongoing. He pledged to make public the outcome of these deliberations and the subsequent course of action at the appropriate juncture. Furthermore, Oluyede took the opportunity to thank Ekiti residents who championed his political ambition, interpreting the significant support received during the campaign as irrefutable evidence that the PDP remains a formidable political force in Ekiti. This demonstration of strength, he noted, stands despite prior predictions by some former party members who had suggested the party had lost its relevance in the state. He proudly stated that the campaign successfully revitalized confidence in the opposition party and rekindled hope among thousands of its dedicated supporters.

Reflecting on his journey, Oluyede recalled his earlier legal battles, fought diligently to ensure the PDP maintained its rightful place on the ballot. He described these efforts as a necessary sacrifice undertaken to safeguard democratic choice and to provide Ekiti voters with credible alternatives. He consistently maintained that his core mission extended far beyond merely winning public office; it encompassed the crucial task of defending democracy, restoring hope, and ensuring that the future trajectory of Ekiti State remained firmly in the hands of its people. With an emphatic declaration, he vowed, “I will never abandon you. I will continue to stand with you. I will continue to speak for you. I will continue to defend the interests of Ekiti State.” He concluded by calling upon all residents to remain united and hopeful, expressing unwavering confidence that Ekiti State would ultimately achieve the progress and development its people rightfully deserve.