Ekiti PDP candidate accuses APC over exclusion from INEC list

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating his exclusion from the provisional list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the June 20 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists at his Ikere-Ekiti residence, Oluyede said the omission shocked him, noting that INEC monitored and supervised the PDP primary that produced him.

He added that despite court cases challenging the primary, INEC officials had sworn affidavits confirming him as the party’s valid candidate.

Oluyede insisted there was no court order barring him or the PDP from the poll, arguing that INEC lacked the power to decide a party’s nominee.

He said he had begun consulting party leaders and would formally engage INEC for clarification, urging supporters to remain calm and confident that his name would appear on the final ballot.

He cautioned against attempts to edge candidates out through political manoeuvres, saying elections should reflect the people’s choice.

However, APC Publicity Secretary in Ekiti State, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, saying the ruling party has no control over INEC.

He blamed the development on what he described as internal crises and court disputes within the PDP, advising Oluyede to seek legal redress instead of making accusations.