Opposition political parties in Ekiti State have threatened to boycott the June 20 governorship election following the exclusion of the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, from the official list of candidates released by the electoral body. The parties, operating under the Inter-Party Advisory Committee, described the development as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of inclusive democracy.
Party leaders and supporters staged a peaceful protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Ado Ekiti, insisting that no election should proceed with the unlawful exclusion of any duly nominated candidate. They maintained that credible elections must be free, fair and inclusive, warning that opposition parties would not participate if the situation remained unresolved.
IPAC leaders argued that the PDP conducted its governorship primary in line with established guidelines and that its candidate emerged through a legitimate process. They challenged the electoral body to publicly explain the basis for excluding Oluyede’s name, stating that silence or ambiguity would further erode confidence in the electoral process.
Representing the PDP, party officials expressed shock over the exclusion, noting that the primaries were monitored by the electoral commission and were not halted by any court order. They insisted that all internal party processes were properly followed and rejected claims that procedural violations occurred.
The PDP further alleged political interference, warning against attempts to weaken opposition participation and turn the electoral process into a one-party contest. Party leaders argued that healthy competition remains essential for democratic growth and accountability in the state.
Responding to the protests, the electoral commission’s state office said the matter fell outside its jurisdiction, explaining that decisions on candidates’ lists are handled at the national level. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and compliance with electoral laws, urging aggrieved parties to direct their complaints to its headquarters as the deadline for final candidate publication approaches.
