#EkitiDecides2026: PDP’s Oluyede rejects poll result, to challenge outcome through “lawful and democratic means”

Wole Oluyede, the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent Ekiti State governorship election, has officially rejected the declared results, asserting they do not represent the electorate's true wishes. This announcement follows a private meeting with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who had publicly extended an olive branch to Oluyede and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide.

“

The declared outcome does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the victor. INEC's Chief Returning Officer, Adenike Oladiji, stated Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes, significantly ahead of Oluyede's 40,543. The ADC candidate, Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes, and has also rejected the outcome.

Oluyede's campaign organization, through its Director of Media and Communications, Sanya Atofarati, detailed allegations of a compromised election. The campaign cited widespread irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, and harassment of opposition supporters. They claim these issues undermine the election's credibility and that the declared results do not reflect the democratic aspirations of Ekiti State's people.

“

We believe that the actions and inactions of certain security authorities contributed significantly to the atmosphere of fear, intimidation and unfairness witnessed during the election.

Furthermore, the campaign criticized the conduct of some security operatives, alleging they failed to maintain neutrality and instead acted in ways that eroded public confidence. The organization believes these actions contributed to an atmosphere of fear and unfairness, suggesting the election's outcome was predetermined and deprived citizens of their right to choose their leaders freely. The Accord Party candidate, Opeyemi Falegan, has also announced plans to challenge the results at the tribunal.

“

The events surrounding this election suggest a process whose outcome appeared predetermined, thereby depriving the people of Ekiti State of their fundamental right to choose their leaders freely.