PDP’s Wole Oluyede Missing from INEC’s Provisional List for Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election Amid Party Crisis
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was conspicuously absent, with its governorship flagbearer, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and his running mate missing from the document.
The provisional list, displayed at INEC offices across Ekiti State and on the commission’s official platforms, features candidates from 12 political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and others. However, the absence of the PDP, traditionally one of Nigeria’s major political parties has sparked controversy and renewed debate over the party’s deepening internal crisis.
Sources within INEC disclosed that the omission of the PDP candidates is linked to unresolved leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles within the party at the national level. The crisis, which has led to factional claims over the control of the party’s structure, reportedly affected the submission and authentication of candidate nomination documents required by the electoral umpire.
INEC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the commission could not accept submissions that did not emanate from a legally recognised party leadership, stressing that adherence to court rulings and internal party processes remains mandatory. “INEC does not exclude parties arbitrarily. Submissions must comply strictly with the Electoral Act and must come from the recognised leadership of the party,” an official said.
The development has unsettled PDP members and supporters in Ekiti State, many of whom fear that the party may be shut out of the governorship race if the crisis persists. Party stakeholders described the situation as a major setback for the PDP’s chances in the election, especially as campaigns are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Reacting to the development, PDP chieftains blamed the party’s national leadership tussle for the embarrassment, urging all factions to urgently resolve their differences in the interest of the party. Some leaders warned that failure to act swiftly could cost the PDP a strategic opportunity to reclaim power in Ekiti State.
Political analysts say the PDP’s absence from the provisional list could significantly alter the dynamics of the Ekiti governorship contest, potentially strengthening the position of the APC and other opposition parties already cleared by INEC.
Meanwhile, INEC clarified that the published list remains provisional, noting that parties affected by omissions still have a window to regularise their documentation in line with the law before the release of the final list of candidates. The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive election, provided all legal requirements are met.
As the countdown to the 2026 governorship election continues, all eyes are now on the PDP to see whether it can resolve its internal disputes in time to secure a place on INEC’s final ballot and remain a contender in the Ekiti governorship race.
