“INEC Has No Power To Drop Me” — Ekiti PDP Candidate Oluyede Blows Hot Over Omission

By Joseph Sunday 

Dr. Wole Oluyede, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of his name from the commission’s recently released list of candidates, insisting that there is no legal basis for the action.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate. 

According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.

He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee. 

Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.

While playing down panic over the released list, Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections. 

He disclosed that he has commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.

The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour. 

He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.

Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers. 

He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti has resolved its past internal crises and is now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.

He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.