Court Orders Ekiti PDP to Conduct Fresh Governorship Primary
A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct a fresh governorship primary election in the state.
The court, presided over by Justice Babs Kuewumi, nullified the governorship primary earlier won by Dr. Wole Oluyede, who defeated two other aspirants, including Mr. Funso Ayeni.
In his ruling, Justice Kuewumi declared the primary invalid, holding that the exercise failed to comply with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution. The judge cited, among other irregularities, the absence of the original and authentic delegates’ lists used for the election.
Consequently, the court ordered the PDP, in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a fresh governorship primary in strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and relevant guidelines.
Justice Kuewumi further directed that all eligible aspirants must be allowed to participate in the fresh primary to ensure transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party.
The suit was instituted by Prince Funso Ayeni, who came second in the disputed primary. Ayeni had challenged Dr. Oluyede’s victory, questioning the validity and authenticity of the statutory and ad hoc delegates’ lists used for the election.
The court’s decision is expected to reshape the PDP’s governorship race in Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming election.
A journalist with a speciality in politics, judiciary, and investigation for in-depth stories as a correspondent, among others. He covers all segments of Ekiti State, providing a platform for the people to air their views on issues affecting them.
