The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of his name from the list of candidates released on Tuesday, for the next governorship election slated for june this year in Ekiti State.
While addressing journalists in his country home, ikere Ekiti on Wednesday, Oluyede Insisted there is no legal basis for the action. He described the omission as shocking, stressing further that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s flag bearer.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate said further that, INEC officials were present throughout the primary election, documented the process, and completed all required statutory forms, making his exclusion unjustifiable.
He revealed that several court cases had arisen from the PDP primary, during which INEC officials swore affidavits affirming that he emerged as the party’s candidate. He added that there is currently no court injunction or order restraining INEC from listing his name.
Oluyede maintained that INEC does not have the constitutional power to determine or substitute a political party’s nominee, describing such responsibility as the exclusive preserve of political parties.
While noting that electoral processes often involve reviews and amendments, the PDP candidate said he had begun wide consultations, including engaging party leaders and formally writing the INEC to demand clarification on the development.
He assured supporters across Ekiti State that the situation would be resolved, expressing confidence that his name would eventually appear on the ballot.
“I will be on the ballot, and I remain confident that I will be the next Governor of Ekiti State,” he said, urging supporters to remain calm and focused.
Oluyede also warned against attempts to prevent credible candidates from contesting elections, describing such actions as dangerous to democracy and an affront to the people’s right to choose their leaders freely.
He added that the PDP has resolved its internal challenges and is now united, focused, and ready to win the next governorship election in Ekiti State.
