2026: Opposition parties threaten Ekiti gov poll boycott over PDP candidate’s exclusion

Opposition parties in Ekiti State have threatened to boycott the June 20 governorship election following the omission of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, from the list of officially recognised candidates.

Speaking during a peaceful protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ado-Ekiti, the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Chairman in the state, Owoola Daramola, said opposition parties would not participate in any election where a party or candidate is “illegally excluded.”

Protesters carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs accompanied PDP leaders to the INEC office, where officials met with IPAC representatives and PDP chieftains over the controversy.

Daramola insisted that the PDP primary followed due process and urged INEC to explain why Oluyede’s name was not published. He warned that opposition parties could withdraw entirely if the issue is not resolved.

Also speaking, former PDP deputy governorship candidate, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, criticised INEC for allegedly blocking the upload of Oluyede’s name despite supervising the primaries. He dismissed claims of any legal barrier and accused elements within the APC of influencing the decision.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, however, said the matter is beyond the state office and should be directed to the commission’s national headquarters. He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to neutrality and compliance with the Electoral Act.

INEC had released the initial list of candidates on December 29, 2025, without Oluyede’s name. PDP leaders have vowed to challenge the exclusion, insisting he must be on the ballot. According to INEC’s timetable, parties can substitute candidates until January 12, while the final list will be published on January 19, 2026.