Omission from INEC List: I’ll Be on the Ballot, No Cause for Panic, Ekiti PDP Guber Candidate, Oluyede, Assures Supporters

By Gbenga Sodeinde In Ado-Ekiti

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2026 Ekiti State election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has dismissed concerns arising from the omission of his name from the list of candidates recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assuring supporters that he remains firmly in the race.

Oluyede at a press conference in his ikere Ekiti residence described the development as surprising, noting that his emergence as PDP candidate was duly monitored and supervised by INEC, which also filed reports confirming the process.

According to him, INEC had previously sworn affidavits in court affirming that he emerged as the party’s candidate, stressing that there is no court injunction or order that could lawfully preclude him from participating in the election.

“This is not unusual in electoral processes. Lists are released, adjusted and reviewed from time to time. As far as I know, there is no legal basis whatsoever for excluding my name,” he said.

The PDP candidate questioned INEC’s role in determining party nominees, arguing that such responsibility lies with political parties and the courts, not the electoral umpire.

Oluyede disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations with party stakeholders and legal advisers and would formally engage INEC through official correspondence to seek clarification on the omission.

Reassuring his supporters across Ekiti State, Oluyede urged calm, insisting that the situation should not cause panic or uncertainty.

“I want to assure my supporters that I will be on the ballot. I am going to be the next governor of Ekiti State. This is just part of the electoral process, and it will not change the outcome,” he declared.

He condemned attempts by political opponents to block candidates from contesting elections, describing such actions as undemocratic and a threat to the people’s right to choose their leaders.

“Elections are about giving the people options. If you believe in your performance or capacity to lead, you should face the people, not try to stop others from contesting,” Oluyede stated.

He further warned against what he described as the systematic disenfranchisement of party members and candidates, calling on the public to resist such practices.

Oluyede expressed confidence in the unity and strength of the PDP in Ekiti, noting that internal issues that previously weakened the party had been resolved.

“The PDP is solid, united and ready. We are the largest party in Ekiti State, and we are fully prepared to win the 2026 governorship election,” he said.

He concluded by urging party members and supporters to remain peaceful and confident as the party moves forward.