A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary conducted ahead of the 2026 governorship election and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary.

Justice Babs Kuewumi, in his ruling, upheld allegations of irregularities raised by one of the party’s aspirants, Prince Funso Ayeni, over the conduct of the primary election.

Ayeni had approached the court to challenge the exercise, alleging that the approved delegate list was manipulated on the day of the election, a development he said undermined transparency, internal democracy and fairness in the process.

In its judgment, the court held that there was a gross abuse of process and a clear disregard for the PDP’s electoral guidelines. It further ruled that the violations were contrary to the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which governs all individuals and institutions.

Reacting to the judgment, the South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Sanya Atofarati, said the party would explore all legal options available, including an appeal.

Atofarati expressed confidence in the party’s legal team, stressing that the ruling did not mark the end of the judicial process.

He maintained that the judgment would not derail the party’s preparations for the June 20, 2026 governorship election, noting that the PDP’s campaign machinery was already in motion.

According to him, the party has inaugurated its campaign committee and commenced grassroots mobilisation across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State in support of its candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede.

Atofarati described the court action as part of a broader conspiracy against the PDP and its flag bearer, insisting that the primary election was free, fair and duly monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“It may appear like a setback, but it is not,” he said. “Ekiti people are already resolved to change the government in the state due to the underperformance of the current administration, and they see the PDP as the only tested and trusted alternative.

“After a thorough primary process, the delegates elected Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate. Some aggrieved aspirants went to court to challenge that process. One of them later withdrew her case, leaving only one petitioner.”

He added that the ruling represented only the first stage of the legal process and stressed that the PDP remains resolute and focused.

“We are not relenting. Mobilisation has commenced from unit to unit, ward to ward and across all local government areas of Ekiti State,” Atofarati said.